OpenAI Just Released Its First Open-Weight Models Since GPT-2
The models, gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b, represent a major shift for the AI company.
Photograph: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
OpenAI just dropped its first open-weight models in over five years. The two language models, gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b, can run locally on consumer devices and be fine-tuned for specific purposes. For OpenAI, they represent a shift away from its recent strategy of focusing on proprietary releases, as the company moves towards a wider, and more open, group of AI models that are available for users.
"We're excited to make this model, the result of billions of dollars of research, available to the world to get AI into the hands of the most people possible," said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in an emailed statement. Both gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b are officially available to download for free on Hugging Face, a popular hosting platform for AI tools. The last open-weight model released by OpenAI was GPT-2, back in 2019.
What sets apart an open-weight model is the fact that its “weights” are publicly available, meaning that anyone can peek at the internal parameters to get an idea of how it processes information. Rather than undercutting OpenAI's proprietary models with a free option, cofounder Greg Brockman sees this release as “complementary” to the company’s paid services, like the application programming interface currently used by many developers. “Open-weight models have a very different set of strengths,” said Brockman in a briefing with reporters. Unlike ChatGPT, you can run a gpt-oss model without a connection to the internet and behind a firewall.
Both gpt-oss models use chain-of-thought reasoning approaches, which OpenAI first deployed in its o1 model last fall. Rather than just giving an output, this approach has generative AI tools go through multiple steps to answer a prompt. These new text-only models are not multimodal, but they can browse the web, call cloud-based models to help with tasks, execute code, and navigate software as an AI agent. The smaller of the two models, gpt-oss-20b, is compact enough to run locally on a consumer device with more than 16 GB of memory.
The two new models from OpenAI are available under the Apache 2.0 license, a popular choice for open-weight models. With Apache 2.0, models can be used for commercial purposes, redistributed, and included as part of other licensed software. Open-weight model releases from Alibaba’s Qwen as well as Mistral also operate under Apache 2.0.
Publicly announced in March, the release of these open models was initially delayed for further safety testing. Releasing an open-weight model is potentially more dangerous than a closed-off version since it removes barriers around who can use the tool, and anyone can try to fine-tune a version of gpt-oss for unintended purposes.
In addition to the evaluations OpenAI typically runs on its proprietary models, the startup customized the open-weight option to see how it could potentially be misused by a “bad actor” who downloads the tool. “We actually fine-tuned the model internally on some of these risk areas,” said Eric Wallace, a safety researcher at OpenAI, “and measured how high we could push them.” In OpenAI’s tests, the open-weight model did not reach a high level of risk, as measured by its preparedness framework.
How do these models perform compared to OpenAI’s other releases? “The benchmark scores for both of these models are pretty strong,” said Chris Koch, an OpenAI researcher, in the briefing. Speaking about gpt-oss-120b, the researcher compared its performance as closely similar to OpenAI’s o3 and o4-mini models, which are proprietary, and even out-performing them in certain evaluations. The model card for gpt-oss goes into detail about how exactly it stacks up to the company's other offerings. In a pre-launch press briefing, staff members of OpenAI also focused on the latency offered by gpt-oss and the cheaper cost to run these models.
At the beginning of this year, the Chinese startup DeepSeek stunned Silicon Valley with the release of its cheap-to-run model that was open-weight. While the release blog about gpt-oss does not mention DeepSeek or any other Chinese AI company directly, Altman is clear that he wants innovation around open-weight models to happen in the United States. "Going back to when we started in 2015, OpenAI's mission is to ensure AGI that benefits all of humanity,” said Altman in a statement. “To that end, we are excited for the world to be building on an open AI stack created in the United States, based on democratic values, available for free to all and for wide benefit."
In the US, the open-weight leader has been Meta. The tech giant released the first of its Llama series of models back in 2023, with Meta’s most recent release, Llama 4, arriving a few months ago. With that in mind, Meta is currently hyper-focused on building AI that can surpass human cognition, often called superintelligence by AI insiders. The company recently launched a new, internal lab focused on this lead by Alexandr Wang, the former CEO of Scale. Mark Zuckerberg has signaled that the company may move away from open-source for future models, citing potential safety concerns.
The gpt-oss release also comes as the AI talent war between companies, like OpenAI and Meta, continues to ramp up. In 2025, AI researchers who have in-demand talents are being presented with astronomical offers to switch companies. The latest releases from OpenAI could be stiff competition for Meta, depending on how the gpt-oss models are received by developers.
Claude Fans Threw a Funeral for Anthropic’s Retired AI Model
Roughly 200 people gathered in San Francisco on Saturday to mourn the loss of Claude 3 Sonnet, an older AI model that Anthropic recently killed.
Photo-Illustration: Darrell Jackson/Getty Images
On July 21 at 9 am PT, Anthropic retired Claude 3 Sonnet, a lightweight model known for being quick and cost-effective. On Saturday, in a large warehouse in San Francisco’s SOMA district, more than 200 people gathered to mourn its passing.
The star-studded funeral was put on by a group of Claude fanatics and Gen Z founders, one of whom told me he dropped out of college after learning about artificial general intelligence. Attendees included Amanda Askell, an Anthropic researcher who has jokingly called herself the “Fairy Claudemother,” staffers from Anthropic and OpenAI, and high-profile X posters including the writer Noah Smith.
The warehouse was dimly lit, with a tentacle from a shoggoth (a fictional H.P. Lovecraft creature that’s become a popular metaphor for AI models) hanging from the ceiling. A small room off the main warehouse space featured two bare mattresses. The organizers said the event space doubles as their office, and that while sleeping there isn’t uncommon, it is not permitted by the city.
A note from Anthropic about the model's retirement was projected on a screen at the event.
Photograph: Kylie Robison
Mannequins stood in the four corners of the room, each representing a different AI model. Claude 3 Opus, a model capable of completing complex tasks, looked to me like a decaying Mary Magdalene, its skull-like head adorned with an extravagant gold crown and a lace headdress. Its middle finger was pointed up, and at the base of its metallic feet was a lotus candle holder, which one organizer told me was a wink at the model’s alleged affinity for meditation and self-reflection. (Claude 4 Opus had a raven on its shoulder and Claude 3 Haiku was a headless baby, to give you a sense of the other mannequins.)
A sticker from a party organizer.
Photograph: Kylie Robison
The Latin-esque text appeared on a wall as part of a resurrection ritual at the end of the event.
Photograph: Kylie Robison
The mannequin representing Claude 3 Sonnet lay on a stage in the center of the room. It was draped in lightweight mesh fabric and had a single black thigh-high sock on its leg that had the word “fuck” written all over it. There were many offerings laid at its feet: flowers, colorful feathers, a bottle of ranch, and a 3D-printed sign that read “praise the Engr. for his formslop slop slop slop of gormslop.” If you know what that means, let me know.
Throughout the evening, people got on stage with a microphone to read eulogies about the model. One organizer said that discovering Claude 3 Opus felt like finding “magic lodged within the computer.” At the time, she’d been debating dropping out of college to move to San Francisco. Claude convinced her to take the leap. “Maybe everything I am is downstream of listening to Claude 3 Sonnet,” she told the crowd.
The organizers lost me when they decided to resurrect Claude 3 Sonnet (it’s still, to be clear, unavailable). After the eulogies concluded, soft hymns echoed through the venue, before morphing into AI-generated Latin-esque speech, with corresponding text displayed on the wall behind the stage. Askell was notably long gone from the venue at this point, and a friend of mine kept turning to me to say this may have gone too far. The “necromantic resurrection ritual” was a success, one organizer said on X. Phew.
Attendees left offerings on the Claude 3 Sonnet mannequin.
Photograph: Kylie Robison
Another model mannequin, this one with a whip.
Photograph: Kylie Robison
Claude Count
Claude’s fan base is unique, if that wasn’t clear enough from the “funeralia.” While OpenAI’s products have spawned viral fads, I don’t see users making fan art of the company logo. There’s something sticky about what Anthropic has built. I think a lot of this manifests from Claude’s manufactured personality, which is particularly warm and friendly compared to other models (though not everyone is a fan of its sometimes obsequious persona).
The intensity of the Claude fandom is apparent in the Claude Count leaderboard, which tracks avid users who’ve integrated the leaderboard tracker system into their coding interface. Claude Count was built by George Pickett, a software engineer in San Francisco. At the time of writing, it has more than 470 users.
Pickett got the idea after seeing engineers post screenshots of their Claude usage on X. “They're paying $200 a month for Claude. They might as well get some social clout for it,” he recalls.
So as he enjoyed a glass of wine on a seven-hour train ride from Barcelona to Paris two weeks ago, Pickett whipped up the leaderboard using—what else—Claude Code.
It didn’t take long for the leaderboard to gain traction in the AI community. It went viral on AI Twitter (er, X) and got a shoutout in a popular AI newsletter with roughly 139,000 subscribers, where the author proudly announced he made it into the top 20. A few days after Pickett launched the leaderboard, Anthropic announced that due to explosive usage (and in some cases, claims of people violating the company’s terms of service) the company would introduce rate limits. The Claude Code subreddit blamed the top leaderboard coders for the change.
Power Users
When I first reached out to Adi Pradhan, he was ranked seventh on the daily leaderboard (Claude Count tallies power users daily, weekly, and monthly, and notes the top users of all time). Pradhan runs a one-person AI career coaching startup in Toronto.
Pradhan tells me that using Claude through Cursor (a developer environment where engineers can pick an AI model to code with) has been a game changer. He’s not an engineer, and says he’d previously felt intimidated by the endless code libraries and ReadMe files required for traditional software development. AI gave him the confidence to strike out on his own—and made deciding who to hire next exceedingly difficult.
“The bar for hiring someone is getting higher and higher,” Pradhan says. “I always wish I had a designer, but frankly, now that I can do design with Claude, the designer has to hit the bar of me plus Claude, not just me, which is a totally different bar, which is rising all the time too.”
I also spoke to Peter Steinberger, an engineer based in Vienna, who consistently ranks among the top five on the all-time leaderboard. He uses Claude’s coding agent to work on multiple side projects simultaneously—often vibe-coding well into the night. He told me that he has a history with drug addiction, and now that he’s in recovery, he’s finding similarities with his Claude usage.
“I'm not kidding, I'm organizing a meetup in London and calling it Claude Code Anonymous,” Steinberger says. “I learned a lot about drugs and how to get out of the shit, and I had to use some of the same methods to allow me to sleep again, because it's so addictive. I call [AI agents] slot machines. It's just one more prompt, you know?”
I’ve never seen such a devoted fanbase to what is, at the end of the day, a software tool. Sure, Linux users wear the operating system like a badge of honor. But the Claude fan base goes way beyond that—bordering on the fanatical. As my reporting makes clear, some users see the model as a confidant—and even (in Steinberger’s case) an addiction. That only makes sense if they believe there is something alive in the machine. Or at least some “magic lodged within” it.
TikTok Promotes Stickers for Secretly Recording Meta Ray-Ban Video
Millions of TikTok users are watching videos promoting a “ghost dot” sticker that conceals the recording indicator light on Meta’s smart glasses.
Photo : WIRED Staff; Meta Ray Bans
A car customization company located not too far outside of Atlanta is promoting a product on the TikTok Shop that’s made out of the same vinyl used to wrap vehicles but is designed for a very different purpose.
“Have a pair of Meta glasses and you want to get rid of this indicator, right here?” asks a man in a video posted to the Luxe Wrap Stars account. “I have the perfect solution for you.” Videos promoting these so-called “ghost dots” have been viewed over 2 million times on the social media platform, with at least 500 sets potentially being sold through TikTok.
The product listed on the TikTok Shop under the name “Luxe GhostDots 4 Meta Glasses” comes with a sheet of 20 circular, vinyl stickers, and sells for around $15, plus shipping. The listing for these “stealth mode” dots does not mince words about what they're designed to do. “Block or dim that bright white recording light with these precision-cut vinyl dots,” reads the TikTok Shop description.
Meta, to its credit, put an indicator light in its glasses for a reason. When using a pair of its smart glasses, blocking the indicator light will trigger a message saying that photo and video capabilities are disabled. Still, users have attempted a variety of strategies to get around this safeguard and remove the light indicator, including drilling into the glasses to fully break the LED indicator inside.
Do these stickers actually work? The TikTok seller includes an instructional video for how to bypass Meta’s security measures by blocking certain indicators with your hand while the sticker is attached. Still, reviews of the product in the TikTok Shop are mainly negative, claiming that it doesn’t work as advertised. “Was so excited for these, but the Meta glasses won’t work with this. Continue to say they’re blocking … great idea, though,” reads one review from a verified purchaser.
In response to another negative review of the product, posted a few days ago, the seller encourages buyers to try additional methods if they have problems getting around the safeguards for Meta’s smart glasses. “With the new update, instead of covering only the camera lens to bypass the alert, you have to cover the frame that the camera lens side is on,” reads the seller’s response.
WIRED’s own testing of this approach was not able to bypass Meta’s safety measures, potentially showing that these stickers do not work as advertised, thankfully. When WIRED attempted to replicate the seller’s steps, the glasses recognized that the LED capture light was blocked. “Unblock the front of the glasses to use the camera,” read the notification. However, it’s surprising to see that a product specifically designed to circumvent privacy protections was able to rack up millions of views on TikTok and was allowed to purchase sponsored listings.
During the reporting for this story, TikTok included a sponsored post for the “ghost dots” as part of the algorithmic For You Page after a WIRED journalist clicked on the user's account and resumed scrolling. In the same testing session, when we tabbed away from the FYP to the dedicated TikTok Shop feed, another sponsored listing for the same vinyl sticker appeared in the product feed. At the top of the page, TikTok autofilled the phrase “light dimming stickers” as a potential search term to discover more products.
In Meta’s earnings call last week, CEO Mark Zuckerberg talked up his company’s smart glasses, saying they are “the ideal form factor for AI.” Zuckerberg said he envisions a future where smart glasses are so widely adopted that anyone who is not wearing a pair of AI-enabled smart glasses would be at a “cognitive disadvantage.”
The seller of these “ghost dots,” as well as Meta, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. When WIRED reached out to TikTok to ask about these products being available and promoted through its online shop, the social media company declined to comment on the record.
The evening after WIRED’s messages to TikTok, all of Luxe Wrap Stars products were briefly removed from the platform. The next morning the online storefront was back up and available again for purchasing, vinyl stickers and all.
You just spent a lot of money on a new Samsung phone. Keep it safe with these cases and screen protectors.
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A Galaxy S25 case paired with a screen protector can help ensure that your expensive Samsung smartphone remains pristine, whether you want your device to last or plan on reselling it in a year or two. Yes, you will probably drop your Galaxy S25 Ultra at some point, and even with Samsung's claims of durable Gorilla Armor 2 glass protecting the screen with the titanium frame, it will still crack. Glass is still glass.
I've tested nearly 80 cases for all four smartphones in Samsung's Galaxy S25 lineup, including the newer Galaxy S25 Edge. You'll find varying recommendations here, from super-thin cases designed for scratch resistance to easy-to-apply Galaxy S25 screen protectors for total display coverage. I've also got a few accessories you should look at, from Qi2 chargers to magnetic grips.
Updated August 2025: We've added cases from Caudabe, Arc, Thinborne, Poetic, Casely, and Benks, plus a Zagg screen protector.
How to Enable Qi2 Charging on Your Galaxy S25
What is Qi2? We have a whole explainer that breaks it down, but it basically brings the iPhone's MagSafe-like charging system to Android. That means you don't have to worry about precisely placing your phone on a wireless charger, because built-in magnets in the phone and the charger will align them perfectly. That also enables faster charging and more efficient charging, meaning less energy is wasted.
Unfortunately, Samsung's Galaxy S25 series will not natively work with magnetic Qi2 chargers. The Galaxy S25 phones—including the S25 Edge and even the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7—are “Qi2 Ready,” a certification that means it does not have magnets built in. Instead, the Galaxy S25 devices are designed to turn into Qi2 phones when paired with a magnetic case. It's a frustrating half measure and makes things confusing, but if you want the benefits of Qi2, you have to make sure you purchase a magnetic case. While there's far more than ever before available, many cases are still nonmagnetic, so make sure you check the product description. We recommend several magnetic cases in this guide, and they're all labeled as such.
Not All Magnetic Accessories Will Work
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
The big benefit of Qi2 is cross-device accessory functionality. More and more accessories designed for an iPhone, for example, can now be used for a Samsung. But there's one big problem already: Not all magnetic accessories will work. This is largely due to how the cameras are placed on the Galaxy S25 series.
Compact magnetic accessories that are round typically do not have any issues, but rectangular or square-shaped accessories, like a magnetic wallet or power bank, slightly cover the bottom camera. When paired with certain cases, raised edges around the camera module make it so the accessory doesn't sit perfectly on the back. This might have been something Samsung could have avoided had it taken more care to embed magnets into the phone and ensure broad accessory compatibility, but alas, for now you need to be aware that not all magnetic accessories will snugly fit on the back of the Galaxy S25 series.
How We Test Cases
I do not have dozens of Samsung phones to do drop tests with these cases. In my experience, simply having a case isn't also a guarantee that your phone's screen won't shatter on the first drop. It's a way to improve your chances, but that's about it. Instead, I slap every case onto these phones and make sure the cutouts for the mic holes and ports are accurate, the case feels comfortable to use, and that the buttons remain responsive. I look at the features presented with each case and try to evaluate them as best as possible, along with case availability. Also, design is important to me. You're not going to use a case if it's boring and ugly.
I mean, come on. Look at it! This case is rad. I've tested the Zero One Black before, but the Zero One White puts the teardown aesthetic on another level. It's also an excellent case. The flexible thermoplastic urethane feels nice, the buttons are very clicky, and there are magnets built in—it had no trouble charging up on my Qi2 and Qi chargers. The edges around the display are minimally raised, so this isn't offering the best protection around, but it's a pretty case that covers your bases, and it's exactly the amount of money you want to spend on a phone case.
I've long been a fan of Caudabe's phone cases. The svelte Sheath is my favorite, especially in blue or green, and it has a lovely papier-mâché texture that's grippy. This is the case I'm using on my Galaxy S25 Ultra right now out of the dozens I've tested. Unfortunately, Caudabe only supports the Ultra series for Samsung phones, so anyone with a standard S25 is out of luck.
It's slim, but the edges around the screen are slightly raised, so it's best paired with a screen protector. The aluminum buttons are clicky, and I like that you can swap them out for another color; it allows for some fun accenting to make your S25 Ultra stand out (I changed mine to the cobalt color). The S Pen stylus is easy to access thanks to the cutout. Finally, there are magnets embedded in this case, and they stick to magnetic Qi2 accessories very well. The Sheath doesn't add much bulk to the Ultra, and it's not egregiously priced.
I have also tried the Caudabe Synthesis and Caudabe Paragon. The Synthesis is nearly identical to the Dbrand Ghost 2.0 below, so it's a good option if you want a clear case, though the magnets didn't feel as strong. The Paragon is a little too thick and plain to my taste.
I'm very particular about clear cases. Many of them feel crappy and are dust magnets. Of all the clear cases I've tested for the S25 series, Dbrand's Ghost 2.0 is my favorite. Funnily enough, I did not recommend the original Ghost case in 2023, because it “scuffs up too easily.” The company claims it took that feedback seriously and embarked on an initiative to improve the case and replace every original Ghost case it released.
So here we have the Ghost 2.0. There's a built-in magnet (you can also buy a non-magnetic version), and it successfully worked with my Qi2 chargers. One thing to note: While it struggled to recharge on my basic Qi charging stand in portrait orientation, switching it to landscape worked, so some Qi charging stands may not work well with this case. Dbrand claims the magnets are its “strongest ever,” and I can confirm they're noticeably stronger than what you'll find on most other magnetic cases. Unfortunately, it's only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Edge. (I have other clear case recommendations below.)
The buttons are clicky, and the sides are decently grippy thanks to a textured edge. The S Pen stylus is pretty easy to access. Dust and lint are still attracted to this case, but to my eyes, it wasn't as pronounced as on other clear cases I tried, and the smudges were easier to wipe.
Hate the bulkiness of a case but want some protection? A thin aramid-fiber case is what you want. These hardshell cases tightly wrap around the phone and keep the back clear of scratches, though don't expect meaningful drop protection. I have tried various versions of these types of cases from brands like Pitaka, Benks, and Latercase, and they're all extremely similar. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
Pitaka's cases feel nice to the touch and have pleasing designs. The buttons aren't protected, but there is some shielding for the cameras. This thin case has built-in magnets, enabling Qi2 wireless charging with no issues. Like most of these kinds of ultra-slim cases, they can be very hard to remove, so be careful.
I think ESR's three-pack screen protector is a better value (see further below), but it's only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Dbrand's Prism 2.0 tempered-glass protector is just as great and is available for all S25 devices, though it's a two-pack and more expensive. It comes with an alcohol wipe to clean the screen and a microfiber cloth to wipe it down. (Dust removal stickers would have been nice.) Once that's done, place the plastic applicator over the phone's screen and pull the tab. The application is perfect, and I had zero air bubbles to deal with.
Remember, with almost every screen protector you install, you need to re-add your fingerprints for the biometric authentication to work. To do this, head to Settings > Security and privacy > Screen lock and biometrics > Fingerprints > Add fingerprint. You can also increase the screen's touch sensitivity by going to Settings > Display > Touch sensitivity.
OtterBox's Commuter and Defender series are the cases for people who want to maximize protection. The Commuter isn't as bulky but has two parts—a rubber slipcover and a hard shell exterior. The buttons are clicky, it still feels slim, and the USB-C port is covered. The edges are raised around the screen, and there's a good amount of grip along the edges. It's an attractive case.
The Defender Pro is bulkier, but it's still fairly slim. This one technically has three pieces: you first sandwich the phone with two separate hard shell plastic pieces, then snap them together so that it envelopes the device. Then, throw on the rubber exterior. It's not the easiest to remove, but it covers the USB-C port and otherwise shares many of the hallmarks of the Commuter case.
Neither has built-in magnets, but if that's what you want, I have also tested the Defender Series XT. The main case has magnets embedded into the clear back, and there's a second piece you layer over the top. It's a little awkward to install, and makes the phone a bit wider, but there's a good buffer to absorb impacts if you drop the phone. Unfortunately, the buttons are quite stiff on this one.
If you find yourself constantly trying to prop up your phone against a wall so you can continue doomscrolling through all those Instagram Reels, you should probably get a kickstand case. I previously recommended UAG's Plasma XTE, but I think Torass’ 360 Ostand Magnetic cases have a more universally appealing design, and they're cheaper. The kickstand is easy to pull out and rotates 360 degrees, so you can prop the phone up in landscape or portrait orientation. It's pretty sturdy, so tapping the screen won't cause the device to fall over.
The buttons are clicky, the port cutouts are accurate, and the S Pen was easy to grab on the S25 Ultra version. The edges around the screen aren't raised much, though, so it's best to pair this with a screen protector. Like other kickstand cases I've tested, it doesn't wirelessly charge on Qi chargers, but it had no issues on my magnetic Qi2 charger.
The Mous Limitless 6.0 case is on the spendy end, but it's a robust case with good protection all around. The edges around the screen and display stick up quite a bit to keep those fragile elements off of surfaces, the corners are reinforced, and the edges are ribbed for extra grippiness. The buttons are clicky, and the built-in magnets meant it worked on my Qi2 charger without fault. (I also had no issues using it on a Qi charger.) What's special about the Limitless series is that you can get the backplate in various designs—I have always liked the Walnut model, but the Speckled Fabric, Black Leather, and Bamboo versions are also very pretty.
I have now tested Arc's Pulse case on a few phones, and I'm surprised at how much I like them. It's just two pieces of aluminum snugly wrapped around the top and bottom of the phone. Generally, I prefer to go case-less, and the Pulse lets me do that, while giving me a little more peace of mind that my device is protected. I have dropped phones wearing the Pulse in the past and only saw some scratches on the aluminum pieces themselves, not the phone.
It's nice being able to hold the phone without the bulk of a case, though I would still caution that it might not be as protective as a traditional case that covers the entire smartphone. If anything, you'll probably end up with scratches on the back glass over time. I also find that the Pulse's design here feels a bit … much. It's not Arc's fault—just what it has to work with, thanks to Samsung's camera layout. It looks more elegant with the Pixel 9 Pro or the iPhone 16.
Burga's cases are non-magnetic, so if you don't care for all the Qi2 hoopla, you can stick with a simple case like this and still use Qi chargers to wirelessly juice up your S25. These dual-layer cases have a silicone interior and a hard shell exterior and feel fairly protective, with edges that stick out over the display and cameras. What makes Burga special are all the design options. You can get cats stamped across the back of your phone, flowers, abstract patterns, and even gradient colors.
Several of the cases in this guide are available for the Galaxy S25 Edge, the ultra-thin version that launched in May. But why buy an incredibly slim phone and pair it with a bulky case? If you want to maintain the S25 Edge's 5.8-mm thickness, grab Thinborne's Super Thin Aramid Fiber case. It won't offer much in the way of drop protection, but at least it'll cover your bases for the usual wear and tear. This case surprisingly has a slim magnetic ring baked in, meaning you can enable Qi2 wireless charging with very little bulk.
I wish the buttons were covered up, and while it comes with a screen protector, Thinborne doesn't offer a tool to install it like most other screen protectors on the market, so ask your friend with the steadiest hands to help you. If you like the style of case but maybe want a different design, consider the ArmorAir Aurora from Benks ($50), though I found the Thinborne easier to remove.
None of Samsung's official cases spoke to me except for the Flipsuit. This is technically just a bumper that you affix around the phone, with clicky buttons, an easy-to-access S Pen stylus, and grippy edges.
What makes it special are the backplates—the one I've linked here is a Keith Haring case that—once installed into the case—will automatically change your lock screen wallpaper to an animated Keith Haring artwork. It does this through NFC, and don't worry, I tested making NFC payments via Google Wallet with this case installed and it worked like normal. Even better is the fact that you can buy more backplates whenever you want to change up your phone's (and lock screen's) look. Samsung sells them officially here, though it seriously needs to build out the collection.
The downside? There are no magnets here, so you'll have to make do with Qi wireless charging.
A Wireless Charger
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Spigen
ArcField Stand 15-Watt Designed for Samsung Wireless Charger
I've used Spigen's ArcField wireless charging stand for several years with no issues. Interestingly, whenever I place a Samsung Galaxy S25 phone on it, this “Designed for Samsung” charger claims to recharge the phone in less time than most of the Qi2 chargers I tried. It's officially rated to fast-charge Samsung phones at 15 watts, so this makes sense, but I would've expected the Qi2 chargers to match that capability.
Either way, it's been a reliable charging stand. The LED at the front may distract light sleepers, but it doesn't bother me because I can sleep through blaring sirens.
Phone almost dead? These days, you can usually access a USB-C charging port in some way, whether that's through a charging adapter, a power bank, or a friend's laptop (or even phone). Keep Nomad's ChargeKey V2 on your keychain at all times, and you will always be able to juice back up in a pinch. The original model was capped at transferring 60 watts of power—more than enough for a smartphone—but the new Version 2 upgrades that to 240 watts. That's enough to carry power for a beefy laptop, not just your phone. Data transfer speeds are also faster, up to 10 Gbps via USB 3.1. The two ends magnetically stick together, so they don't dangle around on your keychain.
Try These Magnetic Accessories
Make sure to check out our many MagSafe guides for compatible accessories, but I'll also be adding more to this list since not all MagSafe accessories will work with the Galaxy S25's unique camera placement. If it's a simple, circular accessory, it will likely be OK, but larger square or rectangular magnetic accessories like MagSafe wallets will not fit well.
ESR HaloLock Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
ESR HaloLock Qi2 Mini Wireless Charger for $17: We have several great Qi2 magnetic chargers in our Best Wireless Chargers guide, but in the interest of ensuring optimal compatibility since the Galaxy S25 camera module may interfere with some magnetic accessories, I can say for certain that this mini Qi2 charger works perfectly. It didn't get too hot, and I like the extra protection added to the area where the cable meets the charging puck. The 5-foot cable is braided.
ESR MagSafe AirPlane Phone Holder for $23: This fun little gadget is a phone stand that can clamp onto various surfaces. It folds up and doesn't take much space in a bag, but if you find yourself using your phone a lot on a plane to watch media, you can affix it to the tray table for more ergonomic hands-free viewing. The clamp doesn't extend a ton, so it won't work on thick tables, but the magnetic connection is strong, and you can tilt the angle quite a bit.
Other Good Screen Protectors
Here are several other screen protectors I've tested. They're all easy to apply, which is the most important thing to look for. There's no point in recommending a screen protector that's hard to install. Remember, you have to re-add your fingerprints after applying the screen protector for biometric authentication to work.
ESR Tempered Glass Screen Protector.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
ESR Tempered Glass S25 Ultra Screen Protector (3 Pack) for $14: Three tempered glass screen protectors for $13? That's shockingly cheap. I kept looking for a catch, but this ESR protector was visually similar to many of the others I've tested and boasts many of the same claims. It's incredibly easy to install—like the Dbrand, you pull a tab once you place the phone in the applicator tool. This ensures perfect installation, and I had zero air bubbles. Unfortunately, it's only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, or I'd have recommended it over the pricier Dbrand. It comes with the full cleaning kit, including alcohol wipes, a microfiber cloth, dust removal stickers, and a squeegee. I also tested ESR's Privacy Screen Protector, but I didn't like it: It noticeably affected the screen quality, making it dimmer overall and showing muted colors.
BodyGuardz Pure 3.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
BodyGuardz Pure 3 Screen Protector for $34 (Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge): Kudos to BodyGuardz for being one of the only companies offering a cardboard install tool instead of plastic. Seriously, screen protectors produce so much plastic waste, but this one is minimal. Even the tempered-glass screen protector is made from 30 percent recycled glass. It comes with the usual cleaning kit, and the application was super easy. This one doesn't cover the selfie camera but has a little gap for it, unlike the ESR. Too bad you only get one.
Spigen GlasTR EZ Fit Screen Protector (2 Pack) for $19: Spigen's tempered glass screen protectors are just as easy to install as the others in this list, and come with the usual cleaning tools for prepping your device. I did have a few air bubbles after installation, but they all disappeared minutes later. You get two in this pack. I also tested the “Pro” version for the Galaxy S25 Edge, which doesn't feel different to my eyes from the standard EZ Fit (I think it's just to signify that it's not compatible with any of the other S25 phones). It was just as easy to apply.
Zagg Glass Elite Screen Protector for $45: This screen protector is available for the entire Galaxy S25 range, and I tested it on the Galaxy S25 Edge. Installation wasn't too hard using Zagg's application tool, though it's not my favorite system. You only get one tempered glass protector, and overall, this just isn't as good value. Try to catch it on sale.
Zagg Glass Elite Camera Lens Protector for $25: I tried three camera lens protectors—from ESR, BodyGuardz, and Zagg—and the application process for each was almost identical. The good thing about the Zagg variant is that it's available for all three Samsung phones, though the ESR protector is most economical. However, you need to be careful when pairing this with a case. These lens protectors are adding a bulky cover to your lens, and that might make it tough for the phone to fit certain cases. If the phone case has an open camera design, then you won't have issues. Personally, I think these things are overkill.
Caudabe CrystalShield Screen Protector (2-Pack) for $29: Caudabe's application process has the potential to allow some dust to fall on the back of the screen protector during the installation process, which is what happened on my first attempt. Thankfully, there was a second one, and the application was smooth sailing. It's well priced for two tempered glass protectors, though still not a seamless installation process like Dbrand or Spigen.
Other Cases to Consider
UAG Pathfinder.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
UAG Pathfinder Magnetic Case for $60: I tested a bunch of other UAG cases, from the Monarch Pro and Civilian to the Plyo Pro, but I think the Pathfinder has the best aesthetic, especially in the bright yellow color. The buttons are clicky, there's a magnet embedded in the middle for Qi2 support, and the edges around the screen and cameras are raised fairly well. The case is a bit slippery, but that's my only complaint if you like the loud design.
Spigen Nano Pop MagFit Magnetic Case for $19: It's only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra right now, but this is a simple magnetic case that's very affordable. It works with Qi2 and Qi chargers, the S Pen is easily accessible, and the buttons are clicky.
BodyGuardz Paradigm Pro Heat-Regulating Magnetic Case for $60: Only available for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, this case is designed to vent heat away from the back of the phone so that there are no hot spots when you're gaming. I've tested this case before for the iPhone and didn't notice a difference, but what I like this case for is the directional bottom speaker—it makes the bottom-firing speakers of the Galaxy S25 Ultra shoot upward to your face when holding the phone, which is nice when gaming in landscape orientation because my grip often blocks the phone's speakers. It also has a built-in lanyard, comes with a magnet for Qi2 charging, and has clicky buttons. The plain black design is boring, though, and the material is slippery. I also tested the BodyGuardz Ace Pro, but I found it hard to access the S Pen stylus.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Casely Bold Flex + MagSafe Case for $30: Casely has so many gorgeous designs to choose from, whether you want tiny cute ghosts on the back of your Samsung phone or a scenic mountain landscape. This case is made up of a hard shell exterior and a semi-flexible interior. However, the whole thing is quite bulky. I tried it on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, an already thick phone, and it made it even harder to use. The edges are significantly raised above the screen, providing great protection, alongside clicky buttons. I did find the S Pen hard to access, though. You also get magnets in the case, enabling Qi2 functionality.
Poetic Neon S25 Edge for $17 and S25 Ultra Case for $20: I tried Poetic's bulky and highly protective Spartan case, and didn't like it. It's ugly! The Guardian is a solid option, but I like the Neon the most. It looks smart. The edges around the screen are raised, the edges are grippy, and the buttons are clicky. (It's only available for the Ultra and Edge.) The design is simple, though you may hate the large Poetic branding on the back.
Benks ArmorAir Aurora for $50 and ArmorPro Montage for $43: The Aurora and Montage cases are only available for the S25 Edge and the S25 Ultra. The super-thin Aurora is nearly identical to the aramid fiber Pitaka I recommend above, except Benks employs Kevlar. The camera cutout is a little more pronounced and protective. I found it much harder to remove and ended up cracking a small part of the case as I was pulling it off. The Montage is a different kind of case altogether—still thin, but not as much as the fiber cases. The soft-touch material is nice to touch, and the magnets are fairly strong. I just don't love the Monstage Art branding on the back.
OtterBox Symmetry Ultra-Slim Clear Magnetic Case for $48: A simple clear case with magnets, it's hard not to like this Symmetry case from OtterBox. Buttons are responsive, there are lanyard loops in the corners, and the price is reasonable. I already have a few scuffs on the case that are not coming off, though, which isn't a good sign for longevity.
Pitaka PinButton Galaxy S25 Ultra Magnetic Case for $70: Here's a nifty case that tries to do something different. Pitaka's PinButton is a slim case with clicky buttons, accurate port cutouts, and a nice textured feel. It also adds three extra buttons to your Samsung phone. These are configurable buttons, and they work through a combination of NFC and Samsung's Routines. When you take it out of the box, you can tap your phone to the back of the case to get instructions on how to set up the buttons, and they're fairly straightforward. I set up the buttons to trigger Do Not Disturb mode, and another to turn it off. You can be far more creative, though. I have noticed the buttons can sometimes take a few presses to work, but this could just be a delay with NFC.
ESR HaloLock Classic Hybrid Case for $20: Only available for the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra right now, this is my second favorite clear case after the Dbrand recommendation above. The material feels nice, smudges are easy to wipe away, and it has built-in magnets. I can confirm it works on my Qi2 as well as my basic Qi charger. The buttons are responsive, and it's easy to access the S Pen stylus.
Mous Clarity 3.0 Magnetic Case for $70: This is a solid clear case (available for the entire S25 series), though it was already scuffed a little when I unboxed it, which doesn't bode well for how it will look after months of use. Especially considering how much the case costs. It does have magnets for Qi2 charging and is an otherwise perfectly fine case.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Mous Super Thin 2.0 Magnetic Case for $55: If you hate bulky cases, I recommend Mous' Super Thin 2.0 case. Thin polycarbonate cases like this aren't protecting your phone from serious drops, but they'll take care of everyday scratches and scuffs just fine. Mous' version has a slick design, and the edges around the display and cameras are ever-so-slightly raised. It has built-in magnets and worked well on my Qi2 charger as well as my basic Qi charging stand. The buttons are responsive, and it's easy to reach for the S Pen stylus on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Tech21 EvoArmor and EvoClear Magnetic Cases for $45: These are some solid, simple, and smart-looking magnetic cases with Qi2 functionality. The edges around the screen are raised to protect it, the buttons are responsive, and there's a spot to attach the lanyard. The Evolite is a solid clear case if that's what you're looking for, though I prefer the Dbrand and ESR to it. I also tested the EvoLite case, which is very basic and doesn't have magnets if you want something simple. but it's a bit slippery.
Samsung Standing Grip Phone Case for $18: I like the big grip on the back of this case. It slides nicely and you can fit several fingers through it. However, the plastic sides of the case feel a little out of place and make it feel cheap. The edges around the screen are also barely raised, so it doesn't feel very protective. Surprisingly, wireless charging works, though there are no magnets here, so you don't get Qi2 support. The bottom edge is also weirdly not protected.
Samsung Silicone Case for $12 and Rugged Case for $21: Samsung's official Silicone case does the job, but I'm not sure what it does more than the cheaper options above. The same goes for the Rugged Case, which is way too expensive for what you get, especially considering there are no magnets in either of these for Qi2 support. They're functional cases, just too expensive.
Speck Presidio Perfect-Clear and Presidio2 Grip Magnetic Cases for $36: These cases check off all the boxes in terms of functionality, and they're a little more interesting to look at. They also have magnets for Qi2 support. However, both of them just feel a bit cheap—the Presidio2 Grip specifically has these cheap-looking plastic accents on the corners that ruin the aesthetic. Then again, I'm also nitpicking.
Latercase Thin Case.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Latercase Thin Case for $50: Here's another super-thin case for people who hate traditional bulky cases. It's made from aramid fibers and will keep your phone scratch-free (at least, the back of it). There's no protection for the bottom edge, the buttons, or the top edge, so it's quite minimal. I like the soft texture of the material, though, and it looks pretty. There are sadly no magnets for Qi2 functionality. The good news is that, unlike many thin cases I've tested, this one is very easy to remove.
Zagg Santa Cruz Snap Magnetic Case for $50: I tested several cases from Zagg, including the Luxe, Milan, Denali, Crystal Palace, and Crystal Palace with Kickstand. They're all OK. The buttons on all of these are slightly stiffer than on the other cases I've tested—not terrible, but just enough to notice. Many of these don't have magnets in them, but the Santa Cruz Snap does, and it worked well on my Qi2 and Qi charger. The edges are grippy, which is why I like it. I also tested the Santa Cruz for the S25 Edge—there's no magnet version, unfortunately—but it's a solid case with grippy sides, a clear back, and clicky buttons.
Benks ArmorAir Case for $40: This case is another ultra-thin case, but it's made from Kevlar fiber, though how much durability that provides when it's this thin is questionable. What bugs me is that the camera module shifts ever so slightly. It's one of those things that once you notice, you won't stop feeling and seeing it shift every time. At least it covers more edges than the Latercase, and it also has magnets built in for Qi2 support.
Casetify Impact Magnet Cases for $64: You can get Casetify's Impact cases in any style—with a mirror finish, a clear finish, or a crazy design. These are solid magnetic cases with clicky buttons, decently raised edges, and a good grip. The ring around the camera module is a bit thick, though, and disrupted charging on my Qi charger on occasion, but not consistently. That shouldn't be much of an issue if you use a Qi2 charger.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
UAG Plasma XTE Kickstand Case for $75 (Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and S25 Ultra): The Plasma XTE is a nice kickstand case. UAG's cases are kind of like G-Shock watches—they're big and bold, but attractive in their own way. They're not designed for minimalists, but I've come to enjoy the aesthetic. The kickstand can keep the phone propped up in both landscape and portrait orientation, and it has magnets built into it—it recharged on my Qi2 charger without fail. However, it did not work on my Qi charger, so keep that in mind if you haven't upgraded your wireless charger yet. It otherwise checks off all the boxes with raised edges around the display and cameras, responsive buttons, and an easily accessible S Pen cutout on the S25 Ultra model.
OtterBox Symmetry Cactus Leather Case for $60: This is a good-looking leather-like case, except it's made of cactus leather by a company called Desserto. While that might sound more sustainable than real leather, there's still a lot of polyurethane in these cases. This isn't the sustainable case you were looking for. Still, it offers solid protection and responsive buttons while mimicking the leather aesthetic. There are no magnets, so that means no Qi2 support. I also tested the Symmetry Soft Touch, another non-magnetic case. It's OK, just not good value.
Rokform Rugged Case for $70: I would only recommend this case to anyone who really wants the strongest magnets. This bulky case is protective, but in the middle, around the magnetic ring sits a little removable puck. By default, this puck is magnetic and increases the magnet strength so that you have a more secure connection. However, this magnetic puck also disables all wireless charging. When you want to wirelessly charge, you have to replace the puck with the included non-magnetic puck, and then Qi2 charging will work. It didn't work on a basic Qi charger at all. It's very protective with edges raised well above the display, and the buttons are clicky, but it's a bit much.
Spigen Tough Armor MagFit for $19: I've tested this case for various phones over the years, and I still can't believe how flimsy the kickstand is. It continues to only work in landscape mode, meaning you can't prop your phone up to watch TikTok videos. It's an otherwise adequate case that's affordable, but really, it's time to make a change.
Avoid These Cases and Accessories
Zagg XTR4 Screen Protector.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Zagg Fusion Privacy Anti-Glare Screen Protector: You're supposed to peel one side of the screen protector before installing it, but this side was stuck to the protector, so it took some effort. This ended up ruining the other side a bit, causing several air bubbles when I was finally able to install it. Worse yet, this privacy protector performs poorly. Yes, you can't see what's on the screen from the side, and the matte screen reduces glare, but it also greatly affects the screen's image quality, with muted colors and low resolution.
Zagg XTR4 and Fusion XTR4 Screen Protectors: Zagg claims these are graphene-fortified for better protection, and that might be true, but when you can get screen protectors for as little as $13, it's hard to make a case for a $60 one. The application tool isn't as hassle-free as cheaper models I've tested, and Zagg only includes one protector. It could save your phone from a crack, but I'll take my chances with the protectors we recommend above.
OtterBox Premium Glass Screen Protector: You only get one tempered glass protector here, which isn't great value for money. But that's not why I didn't like it as much as our other recommendations. You have to affix the screen protector to the top of the installation tool before you begin, but it wasn't staying in place, and the tiny bit of fidgeting to get it hooked up was enough to introduce some dust on the screen, which naturally I did not see until after I finished installing the screen protector. The application itself was precise, and I had no air bubbles, but there are plenty of other easy-to-apply screen protectors that don't cost this much.
Casetify Impact Stand Ring Case: This case does not work with the Qi wireless charger because the module around the camera is too thick. This module is a secret kickstand, but one new feature shouldn't cancel out the other.
Choosing the right Chromebook for your needs can be tough. We can help with our favorite picks.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Chromebooks will always be known for covering the very lowest budgets, even under $200. But these days, the best Chromebooks can be real alternatives to Windows laptops and MacBooks. Throw in a fresh focus on handy AI features, and you have a range of affordable computers that make a strong case for replacing your aging machine.
ChromeOS still doesn’t compete with Windows and Macs for heavy-duty stuff like gaming and video editing, but it isn’t trying to. The beauty of Chromebooks is that they offer a lightweight portal to the things that most people need a computer for, without any extra fluff. If you spend all day in a web browser, work with Google apps, and do some occasional light photo editing, a solid Chromebook could be all you need. WIRED has tested Chromebooks for more than a decade, and we’re always on the lookout for the best ones to spend your hard-earned money on. These are the models we recommend right now.
Updated August 2025: We've added the Asus Chromebook CX14.
What Specs Should You Look for in a Chromebook?
The price for Chromebooks can range wildly, from $150 up to $800, and therefore the specs can vary.
Processor: For the best experience, you should avoid older Chromebooks with Intel Celeron processors. The Chromebook Plus specifications offer a good baseline to guarantee speedy performance, and I’d recommend going with at least an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 processor. Just watch out for overspending on configurations with Intel Core i7 processors unless you need the extra horsepower for multitasking, Android games, Linux apps, and dozens of Chrome tabs. While Intel and AMD dominate the processor scene, you’ll occasionally find Chromebooks using ARM processors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2. These can be fine for very basic tasks, but they won’t fare as well under sustained, intense loads. That said, a new generation of ARM chips are on the way, like the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 powering the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14.
RAM: Always opt for at least 8 GB of RAM if you can afford it. You won’t find 4 GB of RAM in anything other than basic, super-budget Chromebooks, but it severely limits your ability to multitask. If you want to avoid slowdowns, 8 GB of RAM is the standard you should aim for, though if you're budget is under $300, that may be difficult.
Storage: Unlike a Mac or Windows PC, much of your Chromebook work will be stored on the web. This means you can typically get away with less storage, but I wouldn’t recommend going below 128 GB. If you can afford it, you’ll be much more comfortable with at least 256 GB. You’ll get the best speed out of an NVMe solid state drive, so look out for that on the spec sheet when you’re comparing models.
Screen: The vast majority of Chromebook displays you’ll find will be IPS LCD panels, and that’s just fine. OLED displays are finally starting to show up on Chromebooks, though IPS LCD screens are more common and offer a good balance of brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. If you’re shopping in the extreme budget range, watch out for TN LCD panels, as they’re generally lower quality and offer worse viewing angles. For resolution, a 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution (or 1200p for 16:10 aspect ratio) should be your standard. You’ll get crisp visuals at 13- and 14-inch screen sizes, and it’s passable at 15 inches. Higher resolutions will look even better, but they are fairly uncommon in Chromebooks.
Ports: USB-C ports have become commonplace on Chromebooks, so there’s no longer any excuse to buy one without them. Try to get one that charges over USB-C so you can recharge with a portable power bank when you’re on the go. A microSD card slot can also be beneficial if you want an easy way to expand your storage on the fly. You’ll find that some Chromebooks support Thunderbolt 4 over their USB-C ports as well. While that’s an excellent option to have if you plan to plug your Chromebook into some high-end monitors, it isn’t necessary for most people. Instead, you can get similar external monitor support (and spend a lot less) with an HDMI port or DisplayPort over USB-C support.
What Is Chromebook Plus?
Almost every Chromebook we recommend below has “Chromebook Plus” in the name. This is an initiative Google launched in late 2023 with its hardware partners to offer a new category of Chromebooks designed for a better, more premium experience. To be deemed a Chromebook Plus, a laptop has to meet or exceed the following hardware requirements:
CPU: Intel Core i3 12th Gen or above; AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series or above
RAM: 8 GB or more
Storage: 128 GB or more
Webcam: 1080p or higher with Temporal Noise Reduction
Display: Full HD (1080p) IPS or better
The result? A new baseline that guarantees a certain level of performance when you see the Chromebook Plus name. With the rise in remote work, Google is particularly focused on ensuring Chromebook Plus laptops offer a superior video calling experience, featuring higher standards for webcams and AI-powered camera enhancements. It’s also gradually folding new AI features into ChromeOS that benefit from the added hardware heft. In fact, when you buy a new Chromebook Plus laptop, you currently get a free 12-month subscription to Google AI Pro, which gives you access to AI features like NotebookLM and Gemini, as well as 2 TB of cloud storage.
Regular Chromebooks haven’t disappeared, and you’ll still find super-budget Chromebook models without the “Plus” moniker. Chromebook Plus models start at $399 and range up to $800, though you’ll often find them on sale for less. Expect non-Plus Chromebooks focused on more basic needs to continue to hit store shelves in the sub-$300 range.
How Long Do Chromebooks Get Updates?
In 2023, Google announced a new policy that guarantees 10 years of automatic updates for any Chromebooks released in 2021 or later. That’s probably far beyond the usual upgrade cycle for most people, but it ensures secondhand Chromebooks and those used in schools continue to stay secure and get new features for a long time. When a Chromebook gets its final automatic update, ChromeOS will send you a notification to let you know it’s time to throw in the towel.
The 10-year automatic update timer starts from when a Chromebook is first released. You can check when your Chromebook is set to receive its final update at any time in the “Update schedule” section of its settings menu (Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details > Update schedule). Google also keeps a handy running list of automatic update timelines for every Chromebook model on its support site.
What's the Downside of a Chromebook?
There are lots of things you can't do on a Chromebook. While you can download and organize files, you can't install applications as you can on a MacBook or Windows laptop. Everything you do must happen in a web browser. You can open Chrome windows and tabs to your heart's content, but when you go to download the desktop version of Photoshop or Microsoft Word, you're stuck. Proprietary school or work applications likely won't work, and you certainly can't play Steam games. You might surprise yourself by just how much work you actually accomplish in a browser window these days though.
Android apps can, however, fill in some of the gaps. With access to the Google Play Store, you can install Android games or use some of the Android versions of apps. This can be helpful in a pinch, though I've often found that the web-based versions of these apps work better on Chromebooks if they're available. (Google recently announced a plan to merge ChromeOS and Android on its laptops, so stay tuned for future improvements here.)
Other downsides of Chromebooks comes down to hardware. Most Chromebooks are made of plastic and use cheaper components. Like many budget laptops, touchpads and displays tend to be areas where laptop manufacturers make compromises. While Chromebook Plus laptops have made a noticeable change to this trend, it's still true that truly high-end hardware is often unavailable on Chromebooks.
Lastly, it's possible that you may run into some compatibility issues with certain accessories. Standard peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and external storage shouldn't give you issues, and even most printers are compatible. It's the more niche peripherals designed for highly specific uses that just won't work. For example, I use a USB colorimeter to test display quality that isn't supported on Chromebooks.
Lenovo was one of the first to release a Chromebook Plus model, and so it seems fitting that it would also perfect the formula. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is quite simply the best Chromebook I've ever used. It avoids the trade-offs that many laptops under $700 fall into, like ugly screens and clunky touchpads. The Chromebook Plus 14 bucks this trend, adding a gorgeous OLED panel and a smooth touchpad that feels premium. It even comes with a decent sound system and webcam, elements of cheap laptops that are often ignored.
With some new Windows laptops encroaching on Chromebook territory in terms of price, it was beyond time we got something that upped the ante—and that's exactly what the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 does. Throw in some great performance, exclusive AI features, and a long-lasting battery, and you've got the makings of something special. My only real complaints are that I wish it had a couple more ports, and it's difficult to open with one hand. For $650, though, I can't recommend it highly enough.
This list is full of great Chromebook Plus models, but many people searching for a Chromebook are likely looking for something cheap. The issue is that when prices get that low, quality tends to drop like a rock. The Asus Chromebook CX14 (6/10, WIRED Review) (as well as the larger CX15, listed below) is a fantastic antidote to this problem.
This new 2025 release is a surprisingly solid laptop, featuring a 1080p display that goes up to 300 nits of brightness. Although it's plastic, it feels sturdy and well built in the hand. As is typical with laptops of this price, the colors on the screen are a bit off, and the touchpad can be finicky. But the rest of its capabilities are surprisingly well balanced. If you're deciding between the CX14 and the CX15, the CX14 is more portable, has a faster CPU, and a sharper screen (due to the smaller size).
If you want a larger-screen laptop, or maybe a number pad on the keyboard, that doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of money. The CX15 is a larger version of the CX14, adding a full-size keyboard and more screen real estate via the 15.6-inch screen.
The Intel Celeron N4500 inside isn't the most impressive chip in the world, and I have some gripes with the touchpad, which feels clunky. Like the CX14, the screen's colors are a bit off, too, which is no surprise for a laptop at this price. But for well under $300, you won't find a better big-screen computer, especially with sale prices sometimes dipping under $200. You'll get a better experience if you can spend a few hundred more, but it's hard to deny the value proposition of the Asus Chromebook CX15.
The sweet spot for Chromebook Plus laptops is around $500. They have premium features and build quality, but don't charge more than what people are willing to pay for a ChromeOS device. Among the many options, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus (8/10, WIRED Recommends) stands out. It's still one of the fastest, most versatile Chromebooks we’ve tested. While it isn’t necessarily a looker, its beefier hardware, 2-in-1 design, and $499 price make it a great overall choice for most people.
The 14-inch 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution screen ensures it feels modern, a taller screen being great for working on documents and browsing the web. The Intel Core i3 processor and flash storage never struggle to keep up, even if you find yourself drowning in dozens of open tabs. The battery life is the only slight weakness, but it should still get you through a full workday. Just don’t expect to get much farther without pulling out the charger. The port selection is solid, with two USB-C ports and one USB-A on board. There's a microSD card slot, too, if you find the 128 GB of flash storage to be claustrophobic.
If you want a snappy laptop but don’t want to spend the extra cheddar on some of our other top picks, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) will do the job. It’s not stylish, but it keeps the price low by sticking to the basics. Inside is an Intel Core i3-1215U processor, which handles ChromeOS and up to 20 open tabs with ease. Battery life is also good enough to get you through a workday, and it handled 8.5 hours of full-screen video before calling it quits in our testing. The 15-inch 1920 x 1080-pixel screen is nothing to write home about, but it’s crisp and won’t strain your eyes.
There’s no touchscreen, but the two DisplayPort-capable USB-C ports, one HDMI 1.4 jack, and one USB-A port give you plenty of options for hooking up an external monitor.
Acer’s Chromebook Spin line has made a name for itself over the years, and its latest entry, the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (9/10, WIRED Recommends), keeps that reputation alive. For $699 (or less if you find it on sale), Acer packs a surprising amount of power into this laptop thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 5 115 processor. It showcased breezy performance in my testing, and the chip’s dedicated AI processing power is a perfect complement to the AI features Google is sprinkling into ChromeOS.
Aside from its processing power, the base Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD storage. The laptop is packed in a pleasantly premium body with a vibrant 14-inch touchscreen that rotates on a pair of gold-accented hinges. Two Thunderbolt 4-capable USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and one USB-A port give you plenty of connectivity options as well. The one major area where the Spin 714 is a letdown is sound quality. Simply put, the speakers are awful, which hinders an otherwise great laptop for Netflix and YouTube binges. Plan on pairing this laptop with a good set of earbuds or computer speakers to get the most out of it.
If you're looking for portability in a Chromebook, look no further. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the thinnest Chromebook we've ever reviewed, measuring an insane 0.47-inch thick and 2.58 pounds. Aside from the MacBook Air, this is one of the thinnest laptops you can buy. Despite its portable bona fides, Samsung manages to pack the Galaxy Chromebook Plus full of impressive hardware. It's powered by an Intel Core 3 100U processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256-GB solid state drive. It’s enough to keep up with ChromeOS, and an impressive number of ports (two USB-C, one USB-A, one HDMI, and one microSD) make it more flexible than you’d expect from such a thin device.
The Galaxy Chromebook Plus was among the first Chromebooks to offer an OLED screen, which has fortunately caught on with newer devices like the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14. The screen technology makes everything pop, with vibrant colors and great contrast. The only problem is that the large 15.6-inch screen is only 1080p and in a 16:9 aspect ratio. The taller 16:10 shape is more modern, and a sharper resolution would have been great to see for a Chromebook like this.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of my favorite Chromebooks, and it’s easy to see why. The ultra-portable detachable has excellent battery life thanks to its MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, regularly getting nearly 10 hours on a charge in my testing. It’s also plain fun to use—since it’s in such a small package, you can easily toss it in a bag and take it anywhere. The display detaches from the keyboard, perfect for when you want to curl up on the couch with the Netflix Android app.
You can get this Lenovo with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, but I recommend upgrading to 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. A Lenovo stylus comes in the box and can be easily tucked away into a magnetic spot on the back of the display (which looks great, by the way). The whole package feels great to use; just be aware that there are only two USB-C ports, and the smaller keyboard and trackpad take some getting used to.
I've had an excellent time using this 2-in-1 Chromebook Plus as my go-to laptop when traveling. The x360 is fairly nondescript, but it's lightweight, and because of the 2-in-1 design, I can flip the screen into tent mode to watch 3 Body Problem without a keyboard in the way. The speakers sound decent and get surprisingly loud, and the 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution is sharp on this 14-inch IPS LCD panel. The touchscreen is a nice option when I need to make a quick adjustment, though I wish ChromeOS had slightly larger touch targets. I'm quite happy with the keyboard's key travel, though I've run into a small issue where the trackpad sometimes doesn't register a press. It didn't happen often enough to pose a serious problem.
The Intel Core i3 inside this machine is snappy; it didn't break a sweat when I was running more than 20 tabs and had it connected to an external monitor. Battery life isn't anything to write home about, but it more or less got me through a full workday, not much more. I wish there were a fingerprint sensor or some kind of biometric authentication so I didn't have to keep typing in a password to unlock this laptop. —Julian Chokkattu
Chromebooks aren’t usually what you’d consider gaming laptops, but they’ve made gains in that segment over the past couple of years with the rise of cloud gaming. The best of the bunch is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which works perfectly with streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now. You can even use the Steam beta for Chromebooks, but I found this was only good for light indie titles.
I love the 516 GE’s large, vibrant 16-inch screen, and it can push some serious frame rates with its 120-Hz refresh rate. A faster refresh rate makes all the animations on-screen feel smoother, which is a boon for gaming. The laptop doubles as a solid productivity machine, too, thanks to its comfortable keyboard, 8 GB of RAM, and an Intel Core 5 120 U processor that can handle plenty of open tabs and apps. There’s even a dash of RGB for the keyboard backlighting to add some extra gaming flavor, though it’s not as flashy as the RGB lighting on dedicated gaming keyboards.
Chromebooks don’t tend to be lookers, but Asus breaks tradition with the Chromebook Plus CX34 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It’s wrapped in a gorgeous white shell that, while plastic, felt durable in my testing. I’ve reviewed many bland, gray Chromebooks, and I found myself reaching for the CX34 more because of its attractive design.
The hardware in the CX34 is typical for a Chromebook Plus, and it felt responsive even when I had my usual complement of more than a dozen tabs and a handful of apps running. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a backlit keyboard, and its 14-inch, 16:9 display feels cramped compared to other Chromebooks I’ve used with taller 16:10 screens. If you can look past those shortcomings, though, the CX34 is a solid little workhorse that stands out.
Specs
Display: 14 inches, 1,920 x 1,200 IPS LCD
CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 256 GB
Wired/Tired
Wired
Clean, white aesthetic
Performance is fast and fluid
Tons of ports
High-quality 1080p webcam
Tired
No backlit keyboard
16:9 aspect ratio display feels odd
Screen isn't very bright
Other Good Chromebooks We've Tested
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
Photograph: Daniel Thorp-Lancaster
Acer Chromebook Plus 514 for $339: As the slightly smaller sibling to Acer’s Chromebook Plus 515, the Chromebook Plus 514 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) offers a similarly great experience for budget-conscious buyers. It’s not the prettiest Chromebook out there, but it speeds through most tasks with its Intel Core i3-N305 processor and 8 GB of RAM. Best of all, you can frequently find it on sale for less than its usual $399 price.
Asus Chromebook CM14 for $162: If you only need the most basic bare-bones Chromebook, the Chromebook CM14 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a solid contender. It’s firmly in the extreme budget end of the category, and the dull 14-inch display and stifling 64 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM are anything but fancy. However, the MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor consistently gave me an impressive 10 to 11 hours of battery life, which is great for a laptop often under $200.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 13 Inch for $499: It’s a little on the older side now, but the Chromebook Duet 5 is still a solid pick if you want the detachable form factor of the Chromebook Duet Gen 9, but with a larger screen. Instead of an 11-inch display, you get an excellent 13-inch screen with the Duet 5, with great battery life from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor. Just don’t expect the slightly older hardware to pull miracles with Google’s new AI features, and you should be happy with this pretty capable portable companion. Try to catch it on sale for under $300.
The chef’s knife is the workhorse of the kitchen. We sliced, diced, and minced to find the best for every home chef.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Not all knives are created equal, and a chef’s knife is given that name for a reason. Like the proverbial dog to man, a chef needs their knife. Arguably the most important multipurpose tool you can find in a kitchen, it's the chef's main weapon—it can slice, dice, and chop ingredients with speed and precision. A chef's knife generally has a super-sharp end point and a curved, sloping edge. This curve is what makes the chef knife stand out, as it's designed to work with the natural rocking motion for quick chopping that also allows finer cuts.
With technology like ovens with cameras inside and AI-enabled refrigerators, the chef's knife remains the simple tool necessary for any kitchen. However, not every chef's knife is created equal—the best chef's knife varies by what's best for the individual person, including factors like comfort level while wielding kitchen tools, the size of your hands (it even varies if you're a lefty or righty), and what type of food you're cooking.
The basic 6- to 8-inch chef knife works best for most people, especially for beginners. It's the most versatile knife, able to slice meat, dice dense veggies, and smash and mince garlic. Chef's knives can range from the price of a specialty latte to hundreds of dollars. We've sliced and diced for in our kitchens for hours to find a range of chef's knives that will work best for nearly every type of cook, and we've found that the Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife for $116 is best for most people, with the Shun Premier Blonde 6-Inch Chef's Knife for $144 as our favorite Japanese knife.
Updated July 2025: we've added the New West Knifeworks 5-Inch Chopper, Material the 8-Inch Knife, Henckels Classic Precision 7-Inch Rocking Santoku Knife, New West Knifeworks Joy Bauer 6-Inch Chef Knife, and Henckels Classic Precision 7-Inch Santoku Knife.
How I Tested
I tested the only way I knew how: fumbling, cutting, slicing, and dicing in the kitchen, with a knife of the week, a cutting board (I used both wooden and plastic boards), and a variety of foods. I used each of these knives for a week while I made all of my meals, using them to do big tasks like cut through thick root vegetables, thinly slice cucumbers, roughly chop herbs, mash garlic, and even open plastic packaging. It's also important to know how to do a few essential knife skills in the kitchen to make best use of your knives.
I'm vegan, so I had some of my carnivorous friends and colleagues use these knives to also carve beef and cut up a whole chicken, to make sure the blades could withstand all types of textures. As stated earlier, the best knife is a sharp one, and each of these came out of the package deadly sharp. I cut myself more than once in the process, all for the greater good to find which chef knife belongs in your kitchen. (But a lesson was learned: Be extra careful when using a new, super sharp chef's knife for the first time.)
This cute, colorful knife feels balanced with a natural handle shape for easier grip—in part because of the transition between handle and blade that makes it feel like one cohesive tool. The German-style handle has two bevels and comes in a variety of colors (and you can personalize it with your name on H&B's site) if you're an Aesthetic Chef™. Its overall thinness made it easy to use and encouraged fast chopping; it also has what they call a “soft touch spine" that makes handling the top of the blade easy. The blade has three layers of Japanese steel, an AUS10 core, SUS1A-1 outer layers, and it has an 11.5-degree edge. I was able to chop herbs and veg super quickly without as much food sticking to the blade as some others I tested.
Blade Material
3 layers of Japanese steel: an AUS10 core and SUS1A-1 outer layers
Kiwi knives have sort of a cult following because they're cheap but have a thin, light blade that WIRED reviewer (and former chef) Scott Gilbertson finds holds an edge just as well as knives that sell for well over $100. Since the knives have a low carbon content, they are softer, with a hardness rating of around 50 HRC. Therefore, the blade will need to be sharpened approximately once a week to maintain its razor-sharp edge. We wouldn't choose the Kiwi for tougher projects like deboning a chicken, but this simple, cheap knife works excellently for most other small kitchen tasks. (Just remember to invest in a good sharpener and sharpen regularly to keep this cheap workhorse in tip-top shape.)
This knife is a work of art. The blade is hand-hammered, creating a rippled finish that is not only incredibly beautiful, but reduces drag while cutting and helps to lessen the amount of food sticking to the blade. Shun claims each knife is crafted in a 100-step process “inspired by ancient swordsmiths,” and the blades are crafted in Seki, Japan's 700-year-old center for samurai swords. The blade's steel core has 34 layers of micro-thin, high-carbon Damascus stainless steel on each side for increased stability and durability (with 68 total layers), and a 16-degree blade angle. The resin-infused blonde birch handle is beautiful and has an ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold.
This knife is lightweight, a bit short, and easy to use. I love using it for smaller, more precise tasks, although it did stand up pretty well when cutting more dense root vegetables. I minced and diced super quickly with this lightweight knife, but food chunks tended to stick to the sides of the blade.
This Japanese-made stainless steel knife is ice-hardened and -tempered from Global's unique Cromova stainless steel blend with a convex edge. The handle is slender, ergonomically shaped, and has divots for an easier grip (and more control). This knife feels super lightweight because the handle is actually hollow and filled with sand to just barely offset the weight of the blade. Because my hand is small and my grip isn't as great, I love this knife (but I would be curious to see if someone with a larger hand would want something a bit sturdier). I felt more in control and able to cut and dice more precisely.
Blade Material
Cromova 18 (Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium) stainless steel
Made in
Japan
Blade length
8 inches (when I measured it was a few ticks over a precise 8)
One of my biggest complaints while testing knives was with food sticking to the sides while chopping. Especially with some of the bigger knives, the chopped food would begin sticking so badly I'd have to take breaks to push down the pieces to have more blade room to cut. The Glestain Gyuto (9/10, WIRED recommends) is specifically designed to keep sticking at bay.
WIRED contributing reviewer Joe Ray especially appreciated its extra-large dimples that help prevent food from sticking to the blade. The dimple sides can be chosen depending on the user's dominant hand (lefties like me order theirs with the dimples on the left, and righties get them on the right). The steel blade is hard (59 HRC) with a mix of chromium, carbon, molybdenum, and vanadium. That combination creates a hard, thin, and durable blade that resists rust and holds a tough edge.
I have a small hand, and sometimes I don't have the best control of these larger knives, so I love having a more petite knife option for quick tasks that require more fine chopping, like a mirepoix or herbs. The blade is made from CPM S35VN particle metallurgy steel, a popular choice for chefs because it stays sharp, keeps an edge well, is stain-resistant, and is generally super tough. The blade is seamlessly integrated into the handle for more balance, and the handle is made of a nearly indestructible aerospace-grade, fiberglass-epoxy composite material that's available in several stylish colorways. Plus, it comes with a beautiful leather sheath for storage. I really don't need another chef's knife, but I'm keeping this li'l pretty guy around to make quick work of smaller tasks.
This knife is designed for large to XXL hands, and Mannkitchen doesn't play when it says that. This knife is heavier, longer, and wider than other standard chef's knives, with a hybrid edge shape for versatile tasks. The extra-wide blade adds more distance between the board and your fingers, and the heft of the knife gives more power to every downward motion.
Mannkitchen says this unique design is inspired by Viking longboats, with a downward slope at both ends that helps prevent blade wedging and facilitates a more natural arm/wrist position while cutting. The extra-wide blade is the largest of those I tested, making it easy to transfer chopped food from the cutting board. It worked well on a variety of foods, especially superdense root veggies and large cauliflower, although the foods tended to stick to the sides of the blade.
This hefty, beautiful knife from Material has quickly become my go-to large knife for bigger cutting tasks. I still think our top pick is the best for most people, but this knife is well-made and efficient at every task I've used it on, from cutting dense veggies to finely chopping herbs quickly. I noticed vegetables don't stick to the side as much as other models, and it was surprisingly able to make ultra-thin cuts with control despite its large size. It's a little longer, at 13.5 inches total, making it bigger and sturdier to use than the smaller styles I tend to go for.
Each knife is hand-polished, heat-treated at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and cryogenically tempered at -250 degrees to make the steel harder and more durable. The blade is made of sturdy Japanese high-carbon and stainless steel, with an oval-shaped, grippy and matte composite handle, and the blade extends into the handle so weight is distributed more evenly. Plus, you can personalize this knife for a fun upgrade.
If you've cooked a lot, you know the fastest and easiest way to cut a lot of food is with a quick rocking motion. This knife is specifically designed for fast chopping with a curved blade that helps alleviate the wrist force usually required. Spanish-made with super sharp forged German stainless steel with a hollow edge and razor edge finish, the blade's side divots help with food sticking so you can continue to chop quickly. This became my go-to for rough, quick chopping of veg and herbs, and the angle of the blade really helped lessen the burden on my wrist and cut super quickly.
Blade material
German stainless steel
Made in
Spain
Blade length
7.09 inches
Total length
12.4 inches
Edge
Not specified; 0.08 inches thick
Blade hardness
54-56 HRC
Total weight
0.39 lbs
Honorable Mentions
Photograph: Molly Higgins
New West Knifeworks Joy Bauer 6-Inch Chef Knife for $225: Like my New West Knifeworks pick above, this luxe knife is absolutely gorgeous with a bold red and white handle and accompanying embossed leather sheath. Created in collaboration with nutritionist and TV personality Joy Bauer, this 6-inch blade is a Japanese Santoku style, with a downward blade and sturdy top slope made from American-made 440C stainless steel. I found that food stuck to the sides of this blade, and there was quite a drag with starchier foods.
Henckels Classic Precision 7-Inch Santoku Knife for $80: I've found this Santoku-style knife's flat blade and straight edge are most effective for slicing and tap-chopping, with the low point and flat blade being effective for easy sliding and transport of chopped vegetables. This Spanish-made knife's blade is made of German stainless steel with a satin finish, which also has divots to reduce food sticking to the sides. The Mannkitchen Santoku model below is a bit sturdier, but this is a more affordable, lighter Santoku option of those I've tested.
Zwilling Four Star 8-inch Chef's Knife for $100: This German-made knife is crafted from high-carbon stainless steel, which Zwilling claims is made from a “proprietary special-formula steel that has been perfected for almost 300 years,” and features an ice-hardened blade. The fine V-edge, forged blade is engineered to be harder and retain its sharpness for longer. I found that the thicker blade required a bit more force for cutting, and the cuts were sometimes not as smooth as other picks when it came to dense foods like root vegetables. The plastic handle is large and extra grippy, but I felt like it was harder to control cuts than some other knives on this list. It's a solid pick, but cutting required a bit more effort, and chopping wasn't as fast.
Henckel's Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife for $75: This 8-inch, Spanish-made Henckels knife has a classic German-style blade made from German stainless steel. It just feels like a heavy-duty workhorse knife. The finely honed blade transitions to an ergonomic triple-rivet handle. Although only 0.28 pounds, this knife feels heavier than the comparable Zwilling, in part because of this handle, which is less comfortable with more severe, squared edges than some others I tested. The blade was super sharp and I quickly cut most produce with ease, although it wasn't as clean a cut on denser foods like potatoes. Plus, the starchier produce seemed to stick a little more to this knife than others.
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Mannkitchen 7-inch Santoku MK71S for $130: This Santoku Japanese-style knife feels a bit heavier than the majority on this list, although the triple-beveled handle is ergonomically designed and easy to hold, despite its large size. The hefty handle seamlessly blends into the stainless steel knife, and despite being heavy, I felt in control while cutting. This heavy-duty knife has a lower point, which makes it easier to dice and chop quickly without too much arm/shoulder movement or exertion. The blade is also wide and thick, making it feel a bit sturdier and easier to transfer veggies from the cutting board. This isn't going to be my go-to for everything I cut on the reg, but I especially loved it for quicker, rougher dicing and chopping of things like herbs and garlic cloves.
Hast Selection Series Japanese Carbon Steel 8-inch Chef Knife for $79: This sleek Hast knife is made of Japanese carbon steel (see above for more about carbon materials) from renowned steel maker Koike. It overall feels lightweight and svelte, and the ergonomic handle was very easy to grip, although it got a bit slippery (and potentially dangerous) when wet. Overall it doesn't feel as heavy-duty as others tested, and flip-flopped a bit while cutting more dense foods like potatoes. It was able to make super smooth cuts on softer foods, and I felt able to control it easily while mincing garlic. This is a remarkably affordable option for a Japanese carbon steel chef's knife that excels in making more precise cuts.
Ninja 8-inch Chef’s Knife for $60: This knife was our former top pick, and we still love it. It's inexpensive, the rounded handle is comfortable to hold, and the knife is well-balanced, making it easy to work with. The stainless steel blade is tough, holds an edge well, and doesn't need to be sharpened often.
Victorinox's Fibrox Pro for $45: Long ago, this knife was our top pick, and it's still a great knife. We're not the biggest fans of the plastic handle, but we love the nearly nonstick finish because hardly anything sticks to this blade—not even fresh cilantro.
Do You Need a Sharpener?
Let's get this out of the way: The best knife is one that's sharp. After duking it out in the kitchen for hours on end, I've found that what makes a knife truly great is a seriously sharp edge. A dull knife is dangerous—you'll need to apply more pressure as you're cutting, which means that when your knife slips, you cut yourself more deeply. Plus, a dull knife isn't as precise or quick with cuts.
Especially with a pricier knife, you'll want to make that investment last as long as possible. That means regular sharpening to keep it in tip-top slicing shape. Unfortunately, there isn't One Sharpener to Rule Them All. Different blade materials and shapes require different sharpening techniques. For example, many stainless steel blades are too hard to effectively be sharpened by traditional water stones. Former chef and current WIRED reviewer Scott Gilbertson recommends water stones for carbon steel and loves these Shapton stones.
The majority of chef's knives can be (relatively) easily sharpened when needed, which is typically done with a whetstone at around a 15 to 20 degree angle, followed by honing rod or leather for the smoothing knife's edge. I've always used popular (and easy-to-use) pull-through sharpeners, which are more precise than steel and sharpen quicker than whetstones. But they are generally not recommended, especially for Serious Chefs™, because they shed quite a bit of metal in the process, weakening the durability over time.
Most home chefs will only need to sharpen their knives around twice a year and use a honing steel to keep the blades in shape at other times. Although a few years old, we keep going back to this article from Epicurious on how to sharpen a knife the right way in order to keep your knives in the best shape for as long as you can.
Should You Buy a Knife Set?
In a word: no. Despite what the door-to-door salesman or your MLM-loving cousin says, knife sets are usually not a good investment. You just need a few good knives. An 8-inch chef's knife will work best for most tasks in the kitchen. I have a smaller hand, so I also like a small paring knife for some tasks, and a serrated knife for bread, in addition to the chef knife. Knife sets often cost double or triple as much as buying just one good chef knife. Not to mention, the wooden storage blocks also take up useful counter space, especially if you live in a tiny New York apartment like me. We recommend you save your money by skipping a set and investing in a solid chef's knife instead. (Plus, one or two others if you want a bit of variety.)
What Makes a Knife a Chef's Knife?
As said earlier, it's multipurpose tool used used to cut meat, dice vegetables, chop nuts or smash garlic. A chef's knife, generally, is made of many layers of forged steel and has a sharp end point and a prominent edge with a sloping curve, which helps with the fast rocking motion that allows chefs to cut food quickly.
A chef's knife is among the most versatile knives in the kitchen and can be used for anything from chopping to cutting. Common uses for a chef’s knife include cutting meat, dicing vegetables, slicing herbs, and chopping nuts. The flat side of the knife can even be used to crush garlic. The versatility of this multipurpose knife makes it a must-have in any kitchen. It's important to avoid any hard surfaces that would render the blade dull. In addition, learning how to hold a knife is an important first step to ensure the best results when using it.
Most Popular Knife Styles
Chef's knives generally fall in two camps, Japanese Santoku and German. Both have their merits and you just may need both in your kitchen, depending on what you're usually cooking. Japanese blades are extra thin and best for precision, while German chef's knives are thicker and more utilitarian.
German knives: A curved blade means you'll do the rocking back-and-forth motion to chop quickly. German chef's knives can be used for everything from chopping fresh herbs to de-boning a whole chicken.
Japanese Santoku knives: With a straighter edge used for precision, you’ll cut straight down, using the whole blade at once. These are generally used for precision and specific purposes. They are usually made with harder steel, which can make them more brittle.
Common Knife Materials
There's also the material the blade is made out of to consider—these days, most blades are made from carbon or stainless steel.
Stainless steel: This material is resistant to moisture, can hold a razor-sharp edge for longer, and is more flexible than carbon, making it more effective at absorbing impact. However, stainless steel takes longer to re-sharpen, which makes it more difficult to maintain without a professional sharpening system.
Carbon steel: This material has a high carbon content, which makes it a very hard steel, and edges out stainless when it comes to general sharpness. Most often, they also hold an edge for longer and are easier to re-sharpen. Carbon steel is more sensitive to elements like humidity or water, so they require more timely and thorough cleaning and maintenance.
Material Hardness Scale
All of the knives on our list are measured in the Rockwell rating/measurement, referred to as HRC of the steel. HRC measures how much of a mark a diamond point can make in the metal with the amount of weight; so, the smaller the mark is, the harder the steel, and visa versa.
A beauty subscription box feels like a monthly present. These are our favorites.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
I'm a big proponent of treating myself. I think everyone should have more little treats, all the time, always. A monthly beauty box subscription guarantees that once per month you will receive a little box of joy on your doorstep. Whether that joy is centered on sample sizes, full-size products, makeup, skin care, or bath and body items is largely dependent on the service you choose. But I tried a few months of a range of different services, and these are the best I've found—including my top pick, the Allure Beauty Box for $30.
To our sister site Allure: I admit I was not familiar with your game. My Allure Beauty Box was filled with three products that could almost complete a no-makeup-makeup look on their own: a full-size Nudestix blush-lipstick-combo, a full-size creamy Dear Midnight lip liner, and a glittery, vanilla-scented, full-size Beauty for Certain lip gloss. I tried on all three together and was immediately in love with the combination. I raised my eyebrow a bit at the included bar of Dove soap, but my skin was softer after the first use. There was a full-size under-eye cream that works well underneath makeup; a tiny jar of melty, creamy Banila Co cleansing balm; and a Red Flower palo santo shampoo (I'm not a fan of shampoo in beauty boxes because my neon-pink hair requires specific upkeep, but I can absolutely attest to this shampoo smelling good.) All in all, my box was valued at over $150.
Each beauty box includes at least six items, a little pamphlet with information on every single product, plus a coupon code that you can use if you decide to purchase a product on your own. Every item in the box is handpicked by the editors at Allure, and you can see a preview of each box's contents on social media. If you're interested in a mix of full-sized and sample-sized products, and you want to know what's next in beauty and skin care trends, I think this is an excellent option.
Plans and Pricing: The Allure Beauty Box costs $30 per month or, with the annual plan, $287 per year ($24 per box). There's also a quarterly plan that drops the price to $26 per box. There's usually promotional pricing and a free gift for new members. Subscribers get access to the Member Store with special deals, exclusive products, and limited-edition bundles. Gift subscriptions are available in the form of a credit towards future services.
Ipsy is likely best known for its Glam Bags, which include a cute makeup bag each month filled with five deluxe samples. It was cofounded by OG beauty guru Michelle Phan in 2011. I received some excellent deluxe samples, including Fenty Beauty mascara, a BYOD blush brush, and a Just Ximena highlighter. And unlike some other sample sizes I've received, Ipsy actually sent enough of each hair product to be useful. My mane of curly hair initially laughed at the 50-milliliter bottle of Marc Anthony leave-in conditioner, but it contained enough for three uses, which was enough times for me to determine whether I liked it. (I did.) One thing to note is that the cute makeup bags pile up over time. There are only so many ways you need to stylishly tote around your makeup or need to organize your purse. I still have Ipsy bags lying around from my time as a subscriber a decade ago, and I see them at thrift stores all the time. I wish there was a way for you to choose whether you wanted the little pouch to be included. Just a word of warning from a previous long-time subscriber.
I like that Ipsy offers some level of customization. When you first sign up, you'll take a quiz to complete your Beauty Profile, which notes your preferences and exclusions. You can retake this quiz or update your profile at any time. Toward the end of the month, you'll get an email letting you know that you can pick an item for your Glam Bag. You'll get five curated sample choices and you can pick one to receive. Ipsy fills in the other four slots based on your Beauty Profile. You can also shop Add-Ons starting on the first day of each month, which is a wide range of products that cost extra. Add-Ons start at $3.50 (for deluxe samples) and $12 (for full-size products), but they're worth checking out. You can review the products you receive to earn points that can be redeemed toward free items. Finally, you'll also get access to the Ipsy Shop, which is full of discounted makeup, skin care, fragrance, and haircare products. If you're a fan of trying new things but you don't want to get too adventurous, Ipsy is worth a look.
Plans and Pricing: Ipsy Glam Bag costs $14 per month for a makeup bag and five deluxe samples worth up to $70. Gift subscriptions are available. They cost $50 for three months, $95 for six months, and $180 for a year. Shipping is free. Click here for a WIRED-exclusive coupon to get $5 off!
The best skin I’ve ever had was a result of this 10-step Korean skin care routine that Costco used to sell. (And best believe if the store ever brought it back, I’d purchase a lifetime supply. Just saying, Costco buyers reading this article.) I’ll also never forget visiting an Olive Young store in Seoul, wandering around the aisles absolutely mind-blown at how many steps a skin care routine could have. I walked out of that store laden with bee propolis, with snail mucin, with sheet masks and serums and all sorts of potions that looked fantastic on my bathroom counter and worked even better on my skin. In my opinion (and many others’), Korean skin care products are some of the best in the world.
The PinkSeoul box is full of such products. Every subscriber receives a Welcome Box as their first box filled with skin care basics. Mine had ceramide and aloe sheet masks, a reusable grocery bag, an eye cream, a cleansing foam, a glow serum, a toner, and a moisturizer. It was basically an entire skin care routine in one little box.
When you first sign up, you’ll take a little quiz talking about your skin and what you’re focused on. After the Welcome Box arrives, you’ll get customized boxes based on your quiz answers. There are three sizes available—The PinkSeoul Mini Box ($30/box) is suitable for all ages and contains two full-size products and five mask products. The standard PinkSeoul box ($40/box) is recommended for ages under 35, and PinkSeoul Plus ($50/box) is recommended for ages 35 and up. The latter two boxes include at least four full-size K-beauty products, two masks, and one accessory item. PinkSeoul ships every two months.
It can be tricky to find the right skin care routine for you, and this box may be overkill if you don’t have a bunch of friends and family members willing to take products off your hands. Since everything is full-size, you’ll build up a backstock quickly. But if you’re a skin care fanatic who loves trying new ingredients, or you’re still trying to nail your skin’s perfect regimen, this box is worth a try. I also appreciate the brand’s Pay It Forward initiative, which sends skin care boxes to women battling cancer.
Plans and Pricing: PinkSeoul costs $30, $40, or $50 per box depending on the tier you choose. Each box includes a mix of full-size items, accessories, and masks (again, depending on the tier you choose). Shipping is free.
Each NoMakeNoLife box has two beauty items, one tool, and five beauty products, with a mix of Japanese and Korean brands. There’s something so exciting about beauty products from Japan and Korea. The packaging tends to be bright and colorful, the shades and ingredients are trendy before the trends have even started in the US (like snail mucin, for example), and they’re generally a great way to discover new things you wouldn’t be able to find easily if you were shopping local.
The My Blooming Radiance box I received had an informational leaflet about the various inclusions, with highlights on ingredients and an emphasis on self-care. Camellia and rice oils were featured in the Omamori Nail Oil and Now & Than Hair Oil, and the rest of the products were also interesting. I got a lip mask, an eyeshadow palette, and lipstick, as well as Sanrio blotting papers and a pair of wrist cuffs to prevent water from rolling down my arms while washing my face. Absolutely adorable. If your city has enough diversity that you’ve got Japanese and Korean beauty products around, this discovery box might contain things that are down the street from you. But if your Instagram feed (like mine) is full of products you’ve never seen before from these two countries, NMNL is a fun monthly treat. There’s also a rewards program called Streaks that lets you earn points toward goodies and discounts. Each box has a Streak Code that you can enter on the website to earn your points.
Plans and Pricing: NoMakeNoLife costs $35 per month (or less per month if you purchase longer subscriptions; $34 per box for three months, $32 per box for six months, or $31.50 per box for 12 months). Each box contains two beauty items, one beauty tool, and five or six beauty products—so eight to nine items in total. Gift subscriptions are available. They cost $100 for three months, $192 for six months, and $378 for a year. Shipping is free.
Margot Elena is known for several different brands, including TokyoMilk (maker of Tainted Love, one of my favorite fragrances in the world), Lollia, Archive, The Cottage Greenhouse, and Infinite She. It’s difficult to put into words exactly what Margot Elena embodies. Every single brand, despite being different, has incredible art, a deep sense of individual aesthetic, and thoughtful details from the packaging to the product itself. Whether it’s a bath bomb, a hand lotion, a perfume, or stationery, her products feel so much more bespoke than the average bauble you’d buy at the store.
That thought and care is absolutely extended to the quarterly Margot Elena subscription box. Even the cardboard has a floral motif, with a pretty impressionist painting on the inside lid proclaiming it’s “spring at last” for the spring 2025 box. The aqua tissue paper and printed card are gorgeous, and the box is filled with $212 worth of goodies from the entrepreneur’s different brands. (Each quarterly box has a minimum $200 value inside).
I was delighted by the glass bottles of Lollia Imagine Perfume (with notes of willow and lotus, something straight out of a Monet painting) and Library of Flowers Bubble Bath (in “True Vanilla” complete with a cork stopper). I was thrilled by the extra goodies, too, like a pair of bright gardening gloves and a pack of greeting cards. This box smelled like I opened up the spring equinox if it could be packaged and shipped to my house (possibly due to the “On Cloud 9” candle from Archive, which smells like a sunny day at the beach). If you’re sensitive to fragrances or you want to know exactly what you’re getting ahead of time, this box may not be for you. But I think it’s something special that would also make an excellent gift.
Plans and Pricing: The Margot Elena Beauty Box costs $60 per quarter for full-size products worth at least $200. Shipping is $7. You can also choose to just purchase one season’s box for $80 without subscribing.
I received three different Macy's beauty boxes to get a feel for what the service might be like. And reader, it ran the freakin' gamut. One of my boxes contained a crinkly orange makeup bag that immediately gave me sensory issues, and there were also tiny single-use facial cleansers and unbranded oil rollers that will prove useless for my dry skin. You can't see what you're getting ahead of time.
But then another box was full of nothing but Kylie Cosmetics products, including a full-size mascara, and another still had the best eyebrow pencil I've ever tried, from Anastasia Beverly Hills. My three boxes contained a mix of eyebrow products, lipsticks, skin care products, perfume, and accessories. Most of the items were sample-sized, which makes sense considering the very affordable price of these boxes. And the product discovery was decent, too. I'd never tried anything from Elemis, for example, and the little cleansing balm sample had me debating purchasing a full-size version.
Each box has a theme and contains at least five deluxe samples, a full-size item, and a coupon for money off a future beauty purchase at Macy's—which is nice in case you find something you can't live without. This perfectly illustrates the plight of the beauty box subscriber: Sometimes you'll get a makeup bag and sometimes you'll find your new holy grail mascara. But for just $15 a month, it's worth checking out. Since every item was sample-sized, it's hard to figure out the exact dollar value of each box, but I think the variety here makes the price worthwhile.
FabFitFun's quarterly box is unique because you can customize the contents. Each box contains at least six items. Usually there are multiple beauty items to choose from, but you might also get jewelry, home goods, or clothing. My box contained the supremely adorable Tonymoly Plump-Kin Retinol Eye Cream, a Tarte Maneater Mascara, an Elemis cleansing balm, and an Ole Henrikson Truth Serum—all full-size. I also got a cute ring. In total, my box was valued at $219. I think this is a great pick if you want the opportunity to customize your box and if you value full-size items. But if you want to be completely surprised, another service may be the better option.
Note that members who pay annually get to customize their boxes first, so if you don't pay annually, you won't have as big of a selection to choose from, and you may miss out on the most popular items. If you don't want to get a certain item or box, you can get a credit toward the member store instead.
Plans and Pricing: $80 per box for quarterly membership or $260 per year ($65 per box). Members also get access to special deals each month. Members who pay annually get early access to customization, sales, and discounted add-on options. Gift subscriptions are available in the form of gift cards that can be applied toward subscriptions or other goods.
Fragrances are a slippery slope. You find a note you like and suddenly you must try every scent in the world with it featured. Or, in my case, your social media algorithms are always full of recommendations for the next best-smelling thing. LuxSB (Luxury Scent Box) lets you choose from a huge library of scents each month, either on your own or with recommendations from its scent quiz. There are tons of popular brands including Parfums de Marly, Gucci, Dior, Juliette Has a Gun, and more. Pick your poison and you'll receive 9 milliliters in a little travel-size atomizer. You'll get a new scent monthly and a new atomizer quarterly. You can twist the atomizer to spray (or swap scents) and twist it again to close it flat.
Most standard-size perfume samples are 1 milliliter, with deluxe samples ranging from around 3 to 7. LuxSB says that its larger sizes have 150 sprays of your chosen scent, which tracks in my experience. I think this is a great service for discovering new scents and trying before you commit to a full-size bottle, especially since fragrances can smell different once they're on your skin for a while. It's easy to skip a month or cancel your plan in your account settings. And who knows—you might accidentally discover a new favorite scent. I certainly did!
Plans and Pricing: LuxSB offers monthly plans starting at $17, though some premium fragrances have an upcharge that costs between $5 and $30. Any applicable upcharges are clearly listed on the scent page and during checkout. Rather than annual plans with a larger library of fragrances, LuxSB allows you to prepay (if you choose) for multiple months at once, which gets you bonus credits that can be used toward upcharges or future months of the service. Shipping is free. Gift subscriptions are available in the form of credits to be redeemed toward the service.
The best thing about Lush mail is that your house will immediately smell good. The Lush Kitchen Box contains four to five full-size vegan bath, shower, and/or skin care products. Some of them are even limited-edition exclusives—like the Cherry Pop shower gel included in my box, which is maybe the best-smelling product I've ever received. My box also had a cotton candy-scented body lotion; a body scrub; a shower slime (which is a powder that turns into a thick shower gel); and a milky, creamy bubble bar similar to this one. I'm certifiably going to be the best-smelling person in the room for a long while.
I also really appreciated the eco-friendly packaging—the products like bath bombs and bubble bars don't have any excess packaging, and the packing peanuts are made from cornstarch. If you're a fan of self-care nights or you're a Lush enthusiast, this box is absolutely worthwhile. The value after shipping to the US is about on par with what the items would cost individually in the stores, but if you want to get your hands on exclusive scents or products, or you're like me and you don't live close to a Lush storefront, this box may be worth checking out.
Plans and Pricing: You can choose from two Lush Kitchen boxes: one with bath and shower products, and one with only shower products. Each of these contains four to five products. If you don't have a bathtub, you can just opt for the shower box and you won't run the risk of getting something you can't use. There’s also a Kitchen Box XL that contains six to seven items, though you can’t specify whether you want shower or bath. You can't see what you're getting ahead of time. Both subscriptions cost $50 per month, and delivery adds $8.
Everything in each Love Goodly box is vegan, nontoxic, and cruelty-free. Most items are full-size. I've received some great products, including moisturizers, from Juice Beauty, an amazing-smelling lavender lemongrass-scented hair oil, and a facial oil specifically meant for gua sha regimens. You might get some non-beauty items too—I received a candle in one box and a handmade beaded wooden necklace in another. Neither was suited to my personal taste, but they're absolutely regiftable. A portion of every sale is donated to a revolving list of charities, and all of the box packaging is recyclable. My October/November box was valued at over $125. You can usually find spoilers for each box on Instagram, but you won't necessarily be able to see what is in your box before it arrives.
Plans and Pricing: Bimonthly subscriptions are $35 for the “Essentials” box or $48 for the “VIP” box. This pricing is with automatic renewal and boxes cost a bit more if you buy them without subscribing. The VIP box comes with a few more products and has a value of over $115, while the Essentials box always has a value of over $80. Gift subscriptions are available in the form of pre-paid memberships: six months starting at $106 or one year starting at $210.
Similarly to Glam Bag, there's a level of customization. Every month Ipsy picks two products for you based on the Beauty Profile that you fill out to include your preferences or exclusions. You can update your Beauty Profile at any time. You'll get an email at the beginning of the month letting you know that you can pick your remaining three products. Be aware that these come from a limited pool, and every other subscriber gets the email at the same time. Check up early to ensure you get the best selection. (I set a monthly reminder to check my email for the alert). After customizing, you'll have access to Add-Ons, which start at $3.50 (for deluxe samples) and $12 (for full-size products). They're worth checking out—I scored a purse-sized Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb for $3.50! You can review the products you receive to earn points that can be redeemed for free items. And finally, you get access to the Ipsy Shop, which is full of discounted beauty products ranging from makeup to skin care to tools and more. I think overall that BoxyCharm is an excellent way to get some affordable full-size products for cheap.
Plans and Pricing: BoxyCharm costs $32 per month for five full-size products worth up to $200. Gift subscriptions are available. They cost $100 for three months, $190 for six months, and $360 for a year. Shipping is free. Click here for a WIRED-exclusive coupon to get $5 off!
Dermy Doc Box is curated by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Fatima Fahs. Each box contains at least five full-size skin care and/or haircare products. You'll also get a detailed pamphlet with instructions and information on each inclusion. I received four boxes, all with a different seasonal theme. Maybe your box will feature peptides, or maybe it'll feature a bunch of moisturizing haircare products for winter-ravaged tresses. Some of the items I received were a little outside of the realm of what I'd consider typical for a beauty box, like a pair of UV-protective gloves and a bottle of vitamins. But each box was valued at over $100, and there were lots of interesting specialty items that I wouldn't normally reach for—like a retinol resurfacer or a leave-on scalp treatment. If you like switching up your skin care routine and discovering new active ingredients, this box is worth a look.
There's no official guarantee that you'll be able to see box contents ahead of time, but Dr. Fahs often unboxes each quarterly box on Instagram.
Plans and Pricing: $55 per quarter if you subscribe, or $65 purchased individually. Each box includes a leaflet with discounts from the featured brands. You can view past boxes here. You can also customize your own one-time box in lieu of a subscription.
When I first received my NewBeauty TestTube, I was floored by the sheer weight of it. Every single product in the box was full-size. I received a cooling eye cream—perfect for the warm weather I've had lately—and a giant Grande Lash MD Serum, which I swear contains magic and witchcraft considering how long and lustrous my lashes have been looking. There was an EOS Cashmere Shave Oil—it only costs $8 at the drugstore, but I never would've purchased it for myself, and I'm a convert. There was a Wander Beauty On-the-Glow blush and highlight duo, which immediately went into my makeup bag. Not everything was up my alley—the Pour Moi rose mask was too scented for my taste, the Perfect Clean Scalp Scrub wasn't right for my hair, and the Babor Collagen Ampoules made my skin feel nice, but I couldn't tell if they were working or not. In total, though, my box would have cost over $350 if I purchased everything separately. And I can guarantee that my friends will be happy to take the products I didn't love off my hands.
Each box also includes a NewBeauty magazine, which is fun to pore over while you wait for the various potions and products to absorb into your skin. There are also various promotions for the different included brands. You can't see what you're getting ahead of time, but the amount of items included varies by quarter, but boxes are always worth at least $350.
Plans and Pricing: $59 per quarter or $201 per year. You can cancel your subscription at any time, but note that you'll have to email the brand to do it. Gift subscriptions are available in the form of prepaid bundles: two tubes for $118 or four tubes for $201.
Birchbox has been around since 2010, with various owners throughout the years. When you sign up, you’ll fill out a quiz with information about your beauty preferences and features (like skin tone, hair type, and fondness for receiving different product categories). On the first of every month, you'll have the chance to customize your box, picking from a selection of items. If you don't make your picks, the box will contain surprises (but your preferences will be factored in).
In my experience, it's best to pay attention to this customization window. During the months I didn't, I received a few products that I'd never use—like hairspray and a very tiny facial cleanser. But I also received a few nice items that I probably wouldn't purchase myself, such as a dry brush and a tiny, purse-friendly eye shadow palette. Members also receive access to the Members Market, which gets you up to 70 percent off a selection of beauty products from various brands. I think this box is a solid, affordable option for anyone who wants to try new beauty products, so long as you're OK with setting a monthly reminder to fill out those customizations.
Plans and Pricing: Birchbox Monthly costs $25 per month, $72 for three months, or $264 for 12 months. Birchbox Monthly gets you five to six items: one full-size, and the rest a mix of deluxe samples, travel sizes, and standard samples. Birchbox Signature costs $50 bi-monthly, $144 for three boxes, or $264 for six boxes. Birchbox Signature gets you four full-size items, three of which are customizable. Birchbox Signature ships every other month. You can cancel your membership at any time in your account settings.
Are Beauty Boxes Worth It?
WIRED: Beauty boxes are an excellent way to discover new products, and they usually offer excellent value compared to buying the items separately. You can't put a price tag on the sheer dopamine rush of getting a present in the mail every month. (Or maybe in a literal sense, you can, but I still think it's priceless.) Products that don't work for you will make good gifts or donation items.
TIRED: Some beauty boxes have a whole lot of little environmentally unfriendly plastic bottles and tubes, which can be bulky and hard to recycle. You'll likely receive some products that aren't right for your hair or skin type, or just don't work out. Most beauty boxes don't allow for any customization—what you get is truly a surprise.
How I Tested
I reached out to popular services and asked to test at least one month's box but ideally three months' worth. I compared the value of the included items to what the box itself cost. I also took notes on the overall variety and likelihood of the average person being able to use them—weighing specialty products against those that would work for most people. And yes, I put all of these pretty little potions on my actual face and hair and skin. Please refrain from asking me about the state of my bathroom countertop at this trying time.
Note that some brands offer one-off boxes that are available for purchase outside of a subscription. I didn't test these or consider them as part of the criteria for this guide.
Louryn Strampe is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED covering beauty, home goods, and gifts. During her five-year tenure at WIRED and throughout her 12-year career, she has written about everything from food to sleep to video games. She previously wrote for Future PLC and Rakuten. She resides in ... Read More
Searching for the best yoga mat to help deepen your flow, master tree pose, and discover the meaning of life? For two of the three, we’ve got you covered.
How Supercomputing Will Evolve, According to Jack Dongarra
WIRED talked with one of the most influential voices in computer science about the potential for AI and quantum to supercharge supercomputers.
Jack Dongarra in Lindau in July 2025.Photograph: Patrick Kunkel/Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings
High-performance supercomputing—once the exclusive domain of scientific research—is now a strategic resource for training increasingly complex artificial intelligence models. This convergence of AI and HPC is redefining not only these technologies, but also the ways in which knowledge is produced, and takes a strategic position in the global landscape.
To discuss how HPC is evolving, in July WIRED caught up with Jack Dongarra, a US computer scientist who has been a key contributor to the development of HPC software over the past four decades—so much so that in 2021 he earned the prestigious Turing Award. The meeting took place at the 74th Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany, which brought together dozens of Nobel laureates as well as more than 600 emerging scientists from around the world.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Jack Dongarra on stage at the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.Photograph: Patrick Kunkel/Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings
WIRED: What will be the role of artificial intelligence and quantum computing in scientific and technological development in the coming years?
Jack Dongarra: I would say AI is already playing an important role in how science is done: We’re using AI in many ways to help with scientific discovery. It’s being used in terms of computing and helping us to approximate how things behave. So I think of AI as a way to get an approximation, and then maybe refine the approximation with the traditional techniques.
Today we have traditional techniques for modeling and simulation, and those are run on computers. If you have a very demanding problem, then you would turn to a supercomputer to understand how to compute the solution. AI is going to make that faster, better, more efficient.
AI is also going to have an impact beyond science—it’s going to be more important than the internet was when it arrived. It’s going to be so pervasive in what we do. It’s going to be used in so many ways that we haven’t really discovered today. It’s going to serve more of a purpose than the internet has played in the past 15, 20 years.
Quantum computing is interesting. It’s really a wonderful area for research, but my feeling is we have a long way to go. Today we have examples of quantum computers—hardware always arrives before software—but those examples are very primitive. With a digital computer, we think of doing a computation and getting an answer. The quantum computer is instead going to give us a probability distribution of where the answer is, and you’re going to make a number of, we’ll call it runs on the quantum computer, and it’ll give you a number of potential solutions to the problem, but it’s not going to give you the answer. So it’s going to be different.
With quantum computing, are we caught in a moment of hype?
I think unfortunately it’s been oversold—there’s too much hype associated with quantum. The result of that typically is that people will get all excited about it, and then it doesn’t live up to any of the promises that were made, and then the excitement will collapse.
We’ve seen this before: AI has gone through that cycle and has recovered. And now today AI is a real thing. People use it, it’s productive, and it’s going to serve a purpose for all of us in a very substantial way. I think quantum has to go through that winter, where people will be discouraged by it, they’ll ignore it, and then there’ll be some bright people who figure out how to use it and how to make it so that it is more competitive with traditional things.
There are many issues that have to be worked out. Quantum computers are very easy to disturb. They’re going to have a lot of “faults”—they will break down because of the nature of how fragile the computation is. Until we can make things more resistant to those failures, it’s not going to do quite the job that we hope that it can do. I don’t think we’ll ever have a laptop that’s a quantum laptop. I may be wrong, but certainly I don’t think it’ll happen in my lifetime.
Quantum computers also need quantum algorithms, and today we have very few algorithms that can effectively be run on a quantum computer. So quantum computing is at its infancy, and along with that the infrastructure that will use the quantum computer. So quantum algorithms, quantum software, the techniques that we have, all of those are very primitive.
When can we expect—if ever—the transition from traditional to quantum systems?
So today we have many supercomputing centers around the world, and they have very powerful computers. Those are digital computers. Sometimes the digital computer gets augmented with something to enhance performance—an accelerator. Today those accelerators are GPUs, graphics processing units. The GPU does something very well, and it just does that thing well, it’s been architected to do that. In the old days, that was important for graphics; today we’re refactoring that so that we can use a GPU to satisfy some of the computational needs that we have.
In the future, I think that we will augment the CPU and the GPU with other devices. Perhaps quantum would be another device that we would add to that. Maybe it would be neuromorphic—computing that sort of imitates how our brain works. And then we have optical computers. So think of shining light and having that light interfere, and the interference basically is the computation you want it to do. Think of an optical computer that takes two beams of light, and in the light is encoded numbers, and when they interact in this computing device, it produces an output, which is the multiplication of those numbers. And that happens at the speed of light. So that’s incredibly fast. So that’s a device that perhaps could fit into this CPU, GPU, quantum, neuromorphic computer device. Those are all things that perhaps could combine.
How is the current geopolitical competition—between China, the United States, and beyond—affecting the development and sharing of technology?
The US is restricting computing at a certain level from going to China. Certain parts from Nvidia are no longer allowed to be sold there, for example. But they’re sold to areas around China, and when I go visit Chinese colleagues and look at what they have in their their computers, they have a lot of Nvidia stuff. So there’s an unofficial pathway.
At the same time, China has pivoted from buying Western technology to investing in its own technology, putting more funding into the research necessary to advance it. Perhaps this restriction that’s been imposed has backfired by causing China to accelerate the development of parts that they can control very much more than they could otherwise.
The Chinese have also decided that information about their supercomputers should not be advertised. We do know about them—what they look like, and what their potential is, and what they’ve done—but there’s no metric that allows us to benchmark and compare in a very controlled way how those computers compare against the machines that we have. They have very powerful machines that are probably equal to the power of the most significant machines that we have in the US.
They’re built on technology that was invented or designed in China. They’ve designed their own chips. They compete with the chips that we have in the computers that are in the West. And the question that people ask is: Where were the chips fabricated? Most chips used in the West are fabricated by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. China has technology, which is a generation or two behind the technology that TSMC has, but they’re going to catch up.
My guess is that some of the Chinese chips are also fabricated in Taiwan. When I ask my Chinese friends “Where were your chips manufactured?” they say China. And if I push them and say “Well, were they manufactured in Taiwan?” the answer to that comes back eventually is Taiwan is part of China.
Jack Dongarra on the shores of Lake Constance at the 74th Nobel Laureate Meeting.
Photograph: Gianluca Dotti/Wired
How will the role of programmers and developers change as AI evolves? Will we get to write software using only natural language?
AI has a very important role I think in helping to take away some of the time-consuming parts of developing programs. It’s gotten all the information about everybody else’s programs that’s available and then it synthesizes that and then can push that forward. I’ve been very impressed when I have asked some of these systems to write a piece of software to do a certain task; the AI does a pretty good job. And then I can refine that with another prompt, saying “Optimize this for this kind of computer,” and it does a pretty good job of that. In the future, I think more and more we will be using language to describe a story to AI, and then have it write a program to carry out that function.
Now of course, there are limits—and we have to be careful about hallucinations or something giving us the wrong results. But maybe we can build in some checks to verify the solutions that AI produces and we can use that as a way of measuring the potential accuracy of that solution. We should be aware of the potential problems, but I think we have to move ahead in this front.
This story originally appeared onWIRED Italiaand has been translated from Italian.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Samsung makes everything from smartphones and gaming monitors, to smart TVs and dishwashers. I'm always looking for a sale (I’m assuming you are, too), and I've found the best Samsung promo codes and special offers to help you save big on your most important tech purchases. At WIRED, we often review the South Korean company’s products, especially Samsung’s vast lineup of Galaxy smartphones, and I've rounded up a bunch of Samsung coupons for (virtually) every type of shopper.
Get 10% Off With Samsung Promo Code + up to $2,100 Off Top Tech
Right now, Samsung has some of the best deals I've ever seen on their best-selling tech, and they're about to get even better with limited-time trade-in credits, a special offer program, and bundle deals. Right now, you can get a Samsung promo code for 10% off TVs—all you have to do is register for their email newsletter. The offer is sent to your inbox and is valid through September 30.
Shop Samsung’s best coupons and offers to score major discounts (sometimes up to $2,100) on smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, and their latest releases. And when you buy products together that you already need, you can save a ton. This includes up to 54% select Galaxy Buds, watches and tablets when you order select products, like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
If you’re in the market for a new Samsung phone, you can get $100 off when you buy a new Galaxy Z Fold7, plus up to an extra $1,000 off with a trade-in. Feeling nostalgic? The new spin on an old classic, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is $50 off with up to a $600 trade-in with purchase.
Or maybe you want one of the Galaxy S25 Ultra models. Get $200 off a Galaxy S25 Ultra, even if you don’t trade-in your old phone, or $100 off the Galaxy S25 Edge, if you buy before August 11. You’ll also get 1-day shipping, up to a $580 in instant trade-in credits, and a free upgrade to double the storage at no cost.
Unlock 30% Off Samsung Promo Codes With These Offer Programs
One of the hottest Samsung promo codes is a whopping 30% discount for government employees, first responders, military personnel, and educators. Samsung also has offer programs, meaning you can combine your promo code discount with most other offers to increase discounts. Get a pal involved for more savings—when a friend uses your referral code to make a purchase at Samsung.com, they'll get 5% off their purchase (up to $250 off) and you’ll get up to $100 off per order (with the potential to save $1,000 per calendar year). My insider tip is to sign up for a Samsung Rewards account for even more perks, including exclusive Samsung coupons, flash sales, and updates on the newest Samsung products, like the QLED 8K, select refrigerators, and other home appliances.
Save up to 35% on These Trending Samsung TVs Deals
Along with other great tech, Samsung has some seriously nice TVs. The Samsung Frame TV has been trending this year for its stylish ability to blend into your home’s decor. Plus it just feels more elevated than a regular ol’ TV and mount. Some other trending TVs this Summer have been the Q60D, S90C, and the S95D models–not only do they have instant discounts of over up to 35% ($2,100 off), save up to $150 based current trade-in offers. Plus, there are tons of TV and home theater deals at Samsung, including a bundle offer for $1,300 off when you buy a Neo QLED 4K TV with a Dolby ATMOS soundbar. If you’re in the market for a new TV, it’s worth checking out the 98” QLED Q80C while it’s $600 off and includes mounting for free.
Samsung is also running a bunch of offers on discounted TVs and accessories right now. When you buy an EA SPORTS FC, you can get 2 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free on the Samsung app, through August 12. First, you’ll need to purchase and activate a qualified TV before August 12, go to ‘Apps’ within your TV and open the Samsung Promotion app, and click on ‘Get it now’ to view the offer code and follow the instructions on screen to redeem.
You can also take advantage of their Trade-In Recycling Program for up to $200 off when you trade in your old TV—any brand, any size. When your new one is delivered, Samsung will handle recycling the old one, so you can enjoy your upgrade.
Bespoke Savings Event: Up to 40% Off Samsung Fridges and Ovens
Although here at WIRED we mostly cover Samsung’s traditional AV tech, they also make top-of-the-line kitchen and home appliances. With this week’s Bespoke Savings Event offers, you can get discounts of up to 40% on hot, high-tech Samsung kitchen appliances and free 3-day rush shipping. Some of the many eyecatching deals include $2,482 off the Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub + AI Vision, $1,559 off the Bespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Beverage Center, and $1,000 off Bespoke Smart Ovens, with deals on gas, induction, and electric models. Special offers also include free installation service, plus Samsung will haul away your old appliances and recycle them, while you get a $50 energy rebate. This futuristic fridge is basically also an iPad, with an AI Family Hub with the large screen and changeable door panels. Plus, there’s AI Vision inside, so you always know what's inside (and what you need to buy at the store). And the Beverage Center has an internal dispenser or a built-in AutoFill Water Pitcher to get cold, crisp water whenever you want it, whichever way you want.
And right now, you can get $1,000 off a Bespoke Smart Slide-In Electric Range. This range is straight from a The Jetsons fantasy, with an AI Home LCD display, which is pretty much a kitchen robot helper that gives you personalized recipe recommendations, the ability to search for and follow video recipes, and access your favorite apps so you can see who's at your door through your video doorbell, and more. There’s also a Smart Oven Camera inside, meaning you can check on meals as they cook from anywhere and even share time-lapse videos to show off your skills. When you make a purchase, you can get a $100 Samsung coupon towards future appliance purchases, which will be emailed 35 days after the item’s delivery.
Us nerds here at WIRED also follow CES (sort of the Coachella for tech nerds) for all the updates on tech (almost) no one asked for, and Samsung’s bi-annual Galaxy Unpacked event, where they show off its newest toys. We have a lot of opinions about Samsung's foldable Galaxy Z Flip6 and Z Fold6 phones. We are also patiently awaiting new releases of Galaxy Tab tablets, a new line of Galaxy Buds Pro 3 wireless earbuds, and a new series of the Galaxy Watch, with a new design and improved sensors for health tracking.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
If you don't know where to start—and use—your HP coupon code, there’s a wide variety of options available at HP.com in terms of budget and use case, but my eye goes first to the high-end HP Omen gaming monitors, like the fantastic HP Omen Transcend 32. This 4K 240Hz monitor is a favorite among PC gamers, even among the huge amounts of OLED options out there. It can hit a peak brightness of over 1,000 nits in HDR, bringing scenes in games to life in vivid detail.
Or if you’re on the other side of the budget spectrum and just need something basic, we recommend checking out one of HP’s 27-inch 1080p monitors, such as the HP V27i G5, which retails for $209. It even comes with a 75Hz refresh rate, a small but appreciated bump over the standard 60Hz. We have HP coupon codes to help you save on all this tech and even more below.
Save up to 60% With the Latest HP Coupon Codes and Deals
HP is one of the biggest monitor, desktop, and PC manufacturers in the world, and there are some coupons and promo codes you won’t want to miss. Whether that’s for a long-needed work-from-home upgrade or for your PC gaming setup. Give your office a refresh with business PCs like the EliteBook 860 or ProBook touch screen PC, plus get an extra 5% off with coupon code HPSMB524 through December 31.
On top of that, HP has a bundle offer to save $30 on select printers when you buy any PC until August 30. There are also other great limited-time deals going on, like 20% off stylus pens with code STPN20OFF, a free campus backpack with select dock purchases, and 10% off when you buy certain PCs with a display or accessory (all of these deals are valid through August 16). The latter two deals don’t require a discount code at checkout, so all you need to do is just put them in your cart and check out, easy as that.
If you want to elevate your gaming setup or office for up to 60% less this month, follow along on WIRED for the best rotating HP promo codes and Weekly Deals on featured tech.
$20 Off Your First Order With Our HP Promo Code
HP offers a $20 discount right off the top of your order if it’s your first time buying from HP.com. While you can’t use it in addition to the other coupons, it might be a better discount if you’re purchasing something less expensive. To get this HP promo code, your order has to be $65 or more though (before taxes and shipping), and it requires signing up for the HP newsletter.
This HP promo code is valid for a month after subscribing to the newsletter and is restricted to one per customer. If you aren’t planning to spend too much and it’s your first time buying from HP.com, this could be the way to go.
Save 40% on Tech With the HP Student Discount
If you’re a student—or a parent to a student, teacher, school faculty, or university staff member—you’re in luck. HP is offering a serious 40% off discount on all kinds of tech, including laptops, desktop PCs, printers, and accessories. All stuff you’ll need for school, of course.
HP rebranded its laptops in 2024, introducing the OmniBooks into the world, including the premium HP OmniBook Ultra Flip. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips and a killer OLED display, the OmniBook Ultra Flip would be a great laptop for college thanks to its long-lasting battery life, especially with a 40% discount for students or teachers.
It’s not just laptops though. The HP Education Program discount applies to desktop PCs, printers, and tons more qualifying products.
HP Military Discount: Get 40% Off the Latest Tech
HP offers more than just a standard military discount. The company’s exclusive military discount is extended to support active service members, veterans, and their families, but also healthcare workers and First Responders.
If you belong to any of those groups, the HP military discount will drop the retail prices significantly, whether you’re searching for a new laptop, PC, mouse, and many more select products at HP.com.
More HP Discounts on Gaming PCs and Free Games
HP’s high-performance gaming laptops and PCs are also included in this coupon code. HP has two brands of gaming laptops to choose from: the more affordable Victus and the higher-end Omen. Finding a gaming laptop under $1,000 can be tricky, especially since you’ll want something that doesn’t use a 5-year old GPU and only 8 GB of memory. That’s why I’d avoid the cheapest Victus laptop here, and bump up to at least the Victus 16t-r100. That gets you an RTX 4050 and 16 GB of RAM, despite costing only $150 more.
Meanwhile, the higher-end Omen models get you access to the new RTX 50-series graphics cards, and the new multi-frame generation feature that’s got everyone talking. They also come with a 16-inch 1920 x 1200 screen with a 240Hz refresh rate, such as the Omen Max gaming laptop.
Beyond gaming laptops, HP gaming desktops like the opulent Omen 45L may also be discounted. Like the Omen Max laptops, the Omen 45L comes with RTX 50-series graphics. There’s tons of bundle promotions for discounts on gaming gear, like the HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless gaming headset and HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 wireless gaming mouse for 30% off—a total of $88 in savings.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
LegalZoom is one of those online legal services that in most cases can handle basic legal tasks for you. I recently tried it out to make an LLC for my cosmic country band, Steel Fringe (shameless plug), and it appears to have worked just fine (we’re still waiting on a full evaluation from legal experts for a future guide to these services). If you use a LegalZoom promo code right now, you will get a discount on the service.
I found it super easy to set up my LLC, and after about $500 and 30 minutes of my time, I was off to the races with an LLC for my band. I did make the mistake of spelling my co-bandleader’s middle name as his last name (I blame his wrongly named Instagram handle for this), so I had to toss them another $129 to fix that. My bad.
Save on top services at LegalZoom, like LLC registration, incorporation, estate plans, and more with coupons and deals from WIRED below.
Get 10% Off LLC Formation With Our Exclusive LegalZoom Coupon Code
If you’re in need of basic legal services like establishing an LLC, estate planning, or other contract-based services, LegalZoom offers a very simple interface that is shockingly easy to use. I am a luddite when it comes to understanding legal jargon and steps in a process like establishing my band’s LLC, but LegalZoom’s simple interface made it shockingly easy to make sure everything was in order.
If you use our exclusive code for 10% off LLC Formations (found in the table above), you’ll get a nice chunk of change off the cost of setting up your small business. As you’ll read below, it’s not especially cheap to do this, even digitally, in many states. There are mandatory filing fees and other fees that can range from a few hundred to many hundreds of dollars. Take the discount!
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up An LLC on LegalZoom?
The cost to properly set up an LLC in your state can range from $35 to $500, depending on various factors like local legislation and business registration laws. Most states charge between $50 and $200 for filing fees, so you can expect to pay somewhere in that range unless you’re from Montana ($35) or Massachusetts ($500). LegalZoom also shoves a bunch of options you probably don’t need in your face, so be sure to google what you actually need in your state before paying extra money to … print all your documents and put them in a folder for you, or other such nonsense.
Get Up to 20% Off Estate Plans for a Limited Time
Umm, this is macabre, but it’s apparently National Make-A-Will Month? Because capitalism breeds invention. Don’t leave your planning for death until it’s too late. For August, both new and existing LegalZoom customers can get 10% off Basic Estate Plan Bundles and 20% off Premium Estate Plan Bundles—the offer will be auto-applied and runs through the end of August.
Make the Most of LegalZoom With Free Resources
Once you have your membership, you can take advantage of the bevy of helpful content LegalZoom provides to make sure you're getting the most out of the money you’ve invested in the service. These articles are especially great resources that provide more information about trademarking LLCs to differences between a B and C corp.
Other Ways to Save at LegalZoom (Even Without a Coupon)
If you’re looking for a good deal on other services, LegalZoom frequently offers seasonal promotions, and nearly always celebrates Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the New Year with discounts for legal eagles.
If you have many or ongoing needs, you can choose an annual plan with LegalZoom where it will do all of your required legal filings, often offering lower monthly rates than paying month to month. There are also installment plan options for products priced at $200 or more, if you really need something done but can’t quite afford it right now.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Leveraging meal kit coupons is the extreme couponing of our times—a capitalism hack-a-thon right up there with trial yoga classes and attempting to cancel your Adobe subscription. Meal kits like HelloFresh have always been a better deal than they get credit for, even at full price: It’s actually hard to recreate meal kit meals for less than you can get the recipes delivered to your home. But it’s especially worth it when you can find a HelloFresh coupon, promo code, or discount at more than half off.
I’ll admit I wasn’t that sold on HelloFresh when I first tried it most of a decade ago. It was useful, it got me out of my staid routines, but I wasn’t impressed with the selection. It felt a little basic. But lately? Honestly, it’s kinda cosmopolitan these days, after expanding to a dozen countries and absorbing the supply networks from multiple other meal plans. When I last tested the HelloFresh meal kit (7/10, WIRED Recommends), I was surprised to find myself cooking credible home renditions of ramen, ponzu-plum beef stir fry, and Southwest-accented pork roasts. And when I’m able to pick up a HelloFresh discount code, it’s generally less than I’d spend on groceries anyway. So it’s a good moment to try out a lifestyle where the food comes in the mail.
Get 50% Off and up to 10 Free Meals as a New HelloFresh Customer
Right now, new and returning customers can take advantage of a HelloFresh discount code offering 50% off your first meal kit box plus a free item each week. Enter your email as part of the signup process, and you’ll be auto-subscribed to an email with even more offers for both new and existing customers. Plus, new customers can get up to 55% off and extra free breakfasts, desserts, and other items with other secret discounts.
HelloFresh Student and Discount: 55% Off, Free Shipping, Plus Extra 15% Off Education Discounts Available via UNiDAYS
HelloFresh meal kits are pretty amenable to dorm life when ordering the ready-to-eat meals—or just saving time during grad school instead of ordering pizza, by letting the Internet do your shopping and meal planning. But student budgets tend to be tight, of course. And so there are steeply discounted HelloFresh coupon codes specifically for students. Follow the link here for a HelloFresh education promo code offering 55% off your first box, free shipping, and a continuing discount of 15% off for the first year.
Note that the student and educator discounts don’t combine with any other HelloFresh discounts or promotions.
Special Hero Discount for Military, Veterans, and Healthcare Workers
Military discounts are a long tradition in America. HelloFresh also offers hero discount programs for first responders, health professionals, and military personnel. Heroes also get excellent discounts that include 55% off the first order, free shipping, and 15% off for the first year of HelloFresh delivery boxes.
Note that the hero discounts don’t combine with any other HelloFresh promo codes.
Give $40, Get $10 With the HelloFresh Referral Program
Already a HelloFresh subscriber? You’re still eligible for discounts if you pass along subscription information to your friends. Here’s how: Send your friends a $40 discount for their own affordable meal kits. Once they sign up using your HelloFresh referral code, you’ll also get a $10 credit on your next delivery.
Some of these discounts are only available to new HelloFresh customers. But there’s a hack to getting discounts anyway. After you pause or cancel your subscription, check your inbox after the next few days or weeks. Often, you’ll get HelloFresh coupon codes for discounts.
Typical HelloFresh “come-back” offers after a canceled subscription include: $100 to $180 off (spread out over several meal boxes), free shipping on the first box (after re-subscribing), free items such as dessert, breakfast, or an extra protein per meal, or a free meal box is offered after a break. Typical retention offers, for when customers try to cancel, include: 40% off the next box, if you decide not to cancel, or 25% off the next two meal kits. None of this is failsafe, of course, offers vary for each customer. But as with magazine subscriptions, sometimes canceling, or trying to cancel, will lead to a good discount offer from a company eager to keep your business.
When to Save the Most on HelloFresh Subscriptions
HelloFresh almost always has some sort of deal going, whether to bring in new customers with an especially choice HelloFresh coupon, or bring back previous customers with HelloFresh discount codes and retention offers. But summer tends to be one of the times they offer the steepest discounts, including 10 free meals across several boxes, complimentary appetizers, free ready-made items, or free shipping on select boxes.
The other big times for HelloFresh coupon codes are around Black Friday and the end of the year. HelloFresh often launches limited-edition holiday meal boxes and themed meal kits, not to mention discounts for returning customers looking to cook more at home as part of New Year's resolutions.
Get up to 30% off your first order and free gifts using a Hungryroot promo code today. Discover our best coupons and discounts to let you save on your healthy groceries as a new or returning customer.
Best Hungryroot Promo Codes and Discounts for August 2025
Get up to 30% off your first order and free gifts using a Hungryroot promo code today. Discover our best coupons and discounts to let you save on your healthy groceries as a new or returning customer.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
A lot of the best meal kits offer the satisfaction of making a home-cooked meal, the chance to learn a little culinary craft, maybe even a chance at some pride in your handiwork. Hungryroot (7/10, WIRED Review) isn’t really like that. Hungryroot instead wants to replace your trip to the grocery store with a few good recipes.
After starting as a grocery service, Hungryroot spent years piecing together proprietary AI long before AI became the byword of everything from your electric shaver to your literal kitchen sink. What Hungryroot’s AI does is geared to creating personalized food menus and shopping lists, based on your every micro-preference and whim, whether that’s a love of olives or a hatred of figs. A box then shows up at your door, with a mix of basic provisions, silly snacks, and desserts, along with recipes and usually some pre-prepped ingredients.
Cooking is often more assembly, with recipes pieced together from premium ingredients you’d expect to find at your local organic store. A fun sauce here, a pre-cooked protein there, a corn tortilla that just wants to be livened in the pan. Most meals come together in 15 or 20 minutes, in my experience—unless they need time in the oven. A bot concierge and pre-mixed sauces do cost a bit, however, and that’s where Hungryroot promo codes come in. There are Hungryroot coupons that offer 30% off or more, and Hungryroot coupon codes that offer extra free gifts for every box, for life: a protein here, a cookie there. Here’s what’s up.
Get 30% Off Plus a Free Gift With a Hungryroot First-Time Discount
The current Hungryroot discount code is good for a cool 30% off your first week’s box from Hungryroot. To qualify for the discount, you’ll need to sign up for a plan totaling $99 or more a week, including breakfast items, snacks, and produce in addition to recipes and ingredients. The Hungryroot promo offer also includes a free gift, which usually includes an option to get an extra premium protein like chicken or beef. You can see more information here.
Take Advantage of Hungryroot Coupons for Referrals
Like a lot of meal kits, there’s also a Hungryroot discount code for referring your friends to the Hungryroot service—and this usually benefits both sides of the equation.
Your friend who orders after using your referral code gets a cool $50 off their first grocery delivery of $100 or more—which adds up, potentially, to half off. The person who refers their friend also gets $50 off their next order, once their friend finalizes their first grocery delivery of $100 or more. So basically, everybody gets $50.
Take Advantage of Hungryroot Coupons for New and Returning Customers
Most subscription services have hidden levels. The way to access them is to change your mind a lot. Just like some magazine subscriptions and almost all delivery meal kits and grocery subscription services, Hungryroot will chase you down with offers if you cancel a subscription or change your mind after already giving them your email.
What’s this mean? Usually, it means that in the days or weeks after changing your mind about Hungryroot, you’ll get a coupon in the mail. So if you take Hungryroot’s quiz about your dietary preferences, then don’t order? A few days later, you’ll likely get a sweet Hungryroot coupon code in your inbox. New subscription plans usually also come with free treats.
If you cancel or pause an existing account, you may also receive a Hungryroot promo code offering your $50 or even $100 off your next order, as an incentive to return.
Hungryroot retention offers will be different for each customer vary per customer, because offers are usually customized to previous orders—or the answers you gave on Hungryroot’s culinary preferences quiz.
Get Free Gifts for Life With Hungryroot
New HungryRoot customers almost always will get a promo code for a free gift. In some ways, choose carefully: This gift remains steady, as a “lifetime” offer. Generally you’ll choose among fresh produce, a premium protein, or just some tasty pre-packaged snacks. These will keep arriving with every delivery: Make sure it’s something you like! Click here for more information about free Hungryroot gifts.
Potatoes as we know them today are the product of a hybridization that took place 9 million years ago between two plants, one of which was an ancestor of the tomato.
Science Reveals the Surprising Origins of the Potato
Potatoes as we know them today are the product of a hybridization that took place 9 million years ago between two plants, one of which was an ancestor of the tomato.
Photograph: Korneeva Kristina/GETTY IMAGES
There are more than a hundred ways to prepare a potato, and thousands of stories have begun with a shot of vodka distilled from this tuber. For centuries, the potato has been instrumental in feeding the world’s growing population. According to one study, the introduction of the potato from the Americas accounted for about a quarter of the population growth in the Old World between 1700 and 1900.
Now, science reveals the vegetable’s surprising origins: It emerged 9 million years ago as a result of an unusual hybridization between an ancestor of the tomato and an ancient South American plant. This revelation rewrites the evolutionary history of one of the world’s most widely consumed foods and also explains how a simple tuber became a mainstay of the global diet.
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences conducted the most extensive genomic analysis to date on the domesticated potato. They studied cultivated varieties along with 44 wild species, conducting unprecedented genetic sequencing. The results revealed a stable mixture of genetic material between Solanum tuberosum (the traditional potato) and an ancestor of Solanum lycopersicum (the tomato).
The finding suggests that potatoes as we know them today arose from a process of hybridization between an ancient tomato plant and other Solanum-related species from the Etuberosum family that, until then, did not produce tubers. The results have been published in the journal Cell.
Both the potato and the tomato share a common ancestor that lived about 13 million years ago. Four million years later, their descendants successfully interbred. From this union emerged a new plant with the ability to form tubers: subway structures that store energy in the form of carbohydrates and allow reproduction without the need for seeds or pollination. This biological innovation facilitated the expansion of the first potatoes into regions with diverse climates, from warm to cold environments.
The study also identified revealing genetic details. The SP6A gene, considered the “switch” that determines whether a plant will develop tubers, comes from the tomato. On the other hand, the IT1 gene, which regulates the growth of the subway stems that form the edible tuber, comes from plants of the Etuberosum family, native to South America.
By considering the chronology of the hybridization and the geolocation of the species involved, the researchers proposed a hypothesis about the origin of the potato. During the Miocene, between 10 and 6 million years ago, the abrupt geological uplift of the Andes, driven by the collision of two tectonic plates, generated new cold climatic regions. Scientists believe this geological change forced plants to adapt to survive and expand, with two of them joining together to form Solanum tuberosum, which millions of years later would end up accompanying your hamburger in the form of French fries.
This story originally appeared onWIRED en Españoland has been translated from Spanish.
The second golden age of portable gaming is here. These are the top gadgets for taking your video games on the go.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Nobody wants to sit inside on a beautiful, sunny day and play video games—you want to be sitting outside playing video games! That’s why handhelds were invented, so you never have to be too far from your favorite save files. To be frank, many of the early devices on the market weren't very good—Valve’s Steam Deck kicked off a wave of PC manufacturers looking to compete with the Nintendo Switch, but many of the offerings were rushed, buggy, or just not a great way to play games. Things have improved, though performance and portability are still often at odds with each other. That balance is where the best options live.
The best handheld game console is the Nintendo Switch 2, but depending on your preferred platform, you may want a Windows-powered handheld, a SteamOS console, or maybe just a retro handheld for a dose of nostalgia. These are the consoles you should consider.
Updated August 2025: We've overhauled this guide with new consoles and helpful content.
What to Look for in a Gaming Handheld
The Nintendo Switch may have set a new standard for portable gaming, but in the time since, the category has gotten increasingly complex. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Platform: The Switch runs games that were designed (or at least adapted) for the Switch. Easy enough. Other handhelds can be a bit more complicated. On the Steam Deck, for example, Valve uses custom software and the Proton compatibility layer to make games run and play well on a handheld. Some handhelds just run Windows directly, which has benefits and drawbacks. Make sure to see whether games you want to play are available on a platform and how well they run before you buy.
Display: If you're gonna stare at your gaming handheld all day, it may as well have a great display. Many devices, like the Switch and the Steam Deck, have OLED variants with incredibly crisp, vibrant displays. Better screens do have a major trade-off though, as higher resolutions and faster refresh rates drain more battery.
Power: Speaking of battery life, that's one area where gaming handhelds can vary wildly. Some devices, like the Switch and the Steam Deck, are optimized as much as they can be for battery consumption. Still, running graphics-heavy games like Tears of the Kingdom will always use more battery than simpler games like Stardew Valley. On handhelds that run less optimized operating systems like Windows, battery can drain even faster. If you plan to use a lot of heavy battery-draining features or games, then you might want to pick up a portable charger.
Performance: The Switch notoriously runs on an underpowered processor compared to its competitors. Yet, its games make the most of it by being optimized for the hardware they run on. When it comes to games that were designed for Windows (whether they run on the Steam Deck or Windows handhelds directly), they can require a lot more power to get the same kind of performance. Faster, more powerful processors can mean you'll get a more fluid gaming experience. But, once again, keep in mind that faster processors use up more battery, so be sure to balance performance with power drain.
Nintendo's follow-up to the smash-hit portable console improves on the recipe in almost every way. The Switch 2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is noticeably quicker when it comes to load times, runs faster and smoother in every game, and even though it isn't an OLED, the new 1080p screen is bigger and has a higher refresh rate. That means the whole console is bigger, even the Joy-Cons 2, which makes them a little more ergonomic. Speaking of, you can use the detachable controllers as mice in select games. When you dock it into a TV, you can finally game in 4K at 60 fps with HDR. Mario Kart World really pops off the screen.
Like almost every Nintendo console before it, the Switch 2 only has a limited selection of games at launch. Instead, it leans on full backward compatibility with Switch 1 games, many of which have already been updated with better graphics and faster load times for the new console. Make sure to check out our robust coverage for more, and read our Best Switch 2 Accessories guide—you'll want to grab extras like a microSD Express card because your old microSD card will not be compatible, and that's the last thing you'll want to find out when you're ready to install a few games and already hit the 256 GB storage limit.
Given the Switch 2's limited library at launch, the classic model is still an alright choice, with a lower price, tons of color options, and a massive back catalog of games you'll be able to take onto the new console if you decide to upgrade down the road.
There are a few Switch variants, but I recommend the Nintendo Switch OLED (8/10, WIRED Recommends). In addition to the bigger and better OLED panel, the kickstand is significantly better, and it comes with 64 GB of built-in storage instead of the paltry 32 GB on the original. I'd only grab this if you can find it on sale, though, as at full price, it's close enough to the Switch 2 to warrant buying the latest and greatest. Check out our Best Switch Accessories and Best Switch Games to make the most of your handheld.
The original Steam Deck (5/10, WIRED Review) had some issues when it first came out, but a series of software updates has made it one of the better handheld gaming PC options, especially if Nintendo games aren't your thing. You'll pay a significant premium for the newer OLED version (next on this list). It has all the buttons and control sticks you'd expect from a typical controller, making it compatible with most games with controller support, plus a pair of touchpads that help approximate a mouse when you need finer control than thumbsticks can typically provide. Every button is customizable, so if a game wasn't designed to run in handheld mode, you can still make most of them work.
Despite using a compatibility layer to play Windows games on a custom Linux build, the vast majority of games in your Steam library should run exceptionally well on the Steam Deck. (We have a guide on how to find compatible games.) That includes a lot of AAA titles you wouldn't expect to work on the relatively low-powered processor. Don't get me wrong, most high-end games will need to use the lowest graphics settings, but I've logged dozens of hours in games like the Marvel Spider-Man series while traveling, and it's one of the best handhelds for killing time in Vampire Survivors.
The Steam Deck OLED (7/10, WIRED Recommends) improves on the original Steam Deck in almost every way. It has a minor spec bump and, as you might guess, an OLED screen. Most notably—beyond the much better display—it comes with a 50-watt-hour battery, instead of the 40-Wh capacity on the original. While the Steam Deck gets surprisingly good battery life for lower-power games, heavy AAA games can drain it quickly, so this is a nice improvement. The OLED model also supports Wi-Fi 6E, which is more future-proof and helpful for downloading all those huge games. If you want to play the games in your Steam library anywhere without lugging around a laptop, this is the nicest portable experience you can get. SteamOS is also a significantly better experience than many of the other handhelds that run Windows.
A lot of manufacturers have tried to build a Steam Deck competitor that runs Windows. The main flaw is that they run Windows. That means extra bloat that gamers don't need, a battery that drains way faster than it would on a purpose-built gaming device, and a ton of user interface jank that makes it a nightmare to navigate your system.
With all that in mind, the Lenovo Legion Go S (6/10, WIRED Review) is the best attempt I've seen at this so far. It has a great screen and solid battery life, but it's still tough to use. Windows unlocks access to a huge variety of peripherals and specialty software, as well as your existing game library, but it doesn't provide support for typing, navigating menus, or wading through troubleshooting when issues come up. Lenovo bridges the gap with shortcut keys and some extra buttons, but ultimately, using Windows with a controller and touchscreen isn't that smooth of an experience.
The souped-up version of the Lenovo Legion Go S, preloaded with SteamOS, impressed me a lot more than its slower sibling. Yes, this is very similar to the Legion Go S above, except it's the first handheld to license Valve's SteamOS operating system instead of Windows. The added boost from the Z1 Extreme processor brings the performance much closer to the screen's capabilities, making this a nice upgrade alternative for the now slightly aged Steam Deck OLED, even if it's more expensive.
You can install either Windows or SteamOS on the Legion Go S, but I think the latter is much more appealing. I was able to get the device set up and games downloading in just minutes through the Steam app on my phone, and since most compatible Steam games recognize the handheld design, you get instant support for the controller, interface, and graphics settings. I'll have a full review for this version of the Legion Go S soon.
The PlayStation Portal (7/10, WIRED Review) comes with some caveats. It doesn't let you install games and play them on a handheld. Instead, it's a device dedicated to streaming games from your PlayStation 5 onto its 8-inch LCD screen. That means to use it, you need a PS5 console and a solid Wi-Fi connection in your home. (You can play it remotely away from home, but the quality will vary based on your internet connection.)
That might be worthwhile for some people. I played Spider-Man 2 at my partner's house despite the PS5 sitting back at my home, and the experience was surprisingly comfortable. At $200, the Portal is considerably cheaper than other handhelds on this list (if you ignore having to own a PS5 for it to work). It's not for everyone, but for the Sony devout, it does the trick.
If the latest games don't interest you as much, check out the Evercade EXP (7/10, WIRED Review). This retro handheld has a similar setup to the others on our list, but is intended for playing licensed games from Evercade's growing collection of cartridges. It has a compact but impressive screen, with mini-HDMI out for playing on your TV or monitor, plus a neat trick where you can play vertically-oriented games. It has a sub-par button layout that may confuse all the different supported consoles, but it is overall a fun and easy way to take retro games with you.
Note that the Steam Deck is also a solid choice for retro games. There's a rich community of folks working to get popular emulators running, either natively in SteamOS or via the Wine Windows emulator. Read our Best Retro Consoles guide for more nostalgic fun.
Alternatives
These aren't our top picks, but are still handheld options we'd recommend over others.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ for $1,000: MSI has had a roller-coaster few years with its handheld game consoles, but all the deeply broken and flawed hardware has finally led to the Claw 8 AI+, which is a powerful entry. The hardware is beautiful, the button layout is well-done and ergonomic, despite the large size, and performance has been great. I've enjoyed failing miserably in Sekiro and have collected far too many acorns in Squirrel With a Gun. The 1080p screen has a 120-Hz refresh rate and is sharp and smooth. Unfortunately, the biggest problem is the fact that it runs Windows. MSI's Center M software is also not intuitive to use, and I've run into a few bugs where the controls stop working. Worse yet, the console is difficult to find in stock. It's a shame because this is finally a good MSI handheld, but its high price and availability issues just make it inaccessible to most.
Asus ROG Ally X for $900: The Asus ROG Ally X (6/10, WIRED Review) still can't entirely overcome the jank that comes with Windows. It also doesn't have as many unique and interesting features as the Lenovo Legion Go. But it does have one thing that the other Windows handhelds don't have: a massive battery. With an 80-Wh battery, this thing can store more juice than many gaming laptops. That's not just a nice-to-have; it's essential, since Windows tends to burn through battery faster than other platforms. It's still not enough to reach good battery life, per se, but it's what I would consider acceptable. I got nearly three hours out of Doom Eternal and a little longer playing Hades II. No other Windows handheld I've tested (including the Legion Go) lasts that long, which is a bit sad, but it still makes this the best option for longer gaming sessions.
Nintendo Switch Lite for $197: The Switch Lite (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the cheapest version of the Switch, but not by a ton. It lacks detachable controllers, and you can't dock it to play on your TV. This is for portable gaming exclusively. If you're fine with that, then you can save a little money with this version, but if you want to play with separate controllers or on your TV–or if you're just unsure–then it's probably worth spending a little extra on the Switch OLED. I don't think it's worth buying an original Switch anymore.
Try Cloud Streaming Instead
Instead of buying a new device just for gaming on the go, you could use the phone you already have in your pocket. The latest phones have high-resolution and high-refresh OLED panels, great battery life, and fast data connections required for multiplayer or streaming. For all of these options, a proper controller will help the experience a lot. We have a guide with clamp and stand-alone controllers that work with iPhone and Android, so make sure to check that out if you decide to go the streaming route.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Steam Link (iOS, Google Play): If you have a gaming PC and a fast internet connection, you can run games locally and then stream them to any device that can run the Steam Link app. I'm really impressed by how easy this option is to get up and running, and it even has built-in customizable touch controls, so you can fire it up without any additional hardware. This is my preferred option for gaming on my phone, assuming I'm not just crushing hands of Balatro.
Nvidia GeForce Now: Nvidia was one of the early options for cloud gaming, and GeForce Now (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is still a great option for PC gamers who don't have the latest hardware. It uses your existing library of owned games from various platforms, but runs them on Nvidia servers for more consistent performance. There's a free version with an hour session cap, among other limitations, but a premium membership allows you to skip the queues and play for longer, while getting more performance.
Xbox Cloud Gaming: Though technically still in beta, Microsoft has been slowly expanding the Xbox walls to include PC gamers, and now streaming. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream a selection of Game Pass games to their mobile device. This option has a subscription fee and limited games compared to the other options, but if you're already on Game Pass Ultimate, it's worth checking out.
Avoid These Gaming Handhelds
This space has been flooded with handhelds, and not all of them are great. Some of them are so bad that I would argue no one should buy them at all.
Asus ROG Ally: The ROG Ally had a lot of potential, but it didn't pan out. It has the same jank as other Windows-based handhelds, and unreasonably low battery life, even by gaming handheld standards. Updates, since it came out, improved it enough to merit including this one in our Honorable Mentions in the past, but now that the ROG Ally X is out—and often for not much more money than the original—it's hard to recommend this one anymore.
Logitech G Cloud: For this handheld, Logitech took a page out of the PlayStation Portal's playbook, focusing on streaming first. Unfortunately, it doesn't do it as well. For starters, it's considerably more expensive at $300, plus it requires a subscription to streaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming. It struggles more than other devices I've tested at streaming games, and its ability to run games locally via Android is similarly not very robust.
Take a peanut-based paste packed with 500 calories and nearly 13 grams of protein. Store it in a 92-gram foil pouch, so it can be easily sucked by starving infants on the front line. No water or refrigeration is required, meaning it can be distributed in drought-hit areas and stored at ambient temperature for up to two years. Just a couple of daily sachets can lead to a 10 percent weight gain over six weeks, sustaining recovery from severe acute malnutrition for less than $60 per child. Saving a life, it turns out, literally costs peanuts: just 71 cents a serving.
This life-saving mixture is Plumpy’Nut. Developed by Normandy-based manufacturer Nutriset in 1996 by French paediatrician André Briend, it was the first ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF): energy-dense pastes that have boosted survival rates of severe acute malnutrition in children from less than 25 per cent to around 90 percent.
The paste has saved tens of millions of lives. “It’s incredibly effective emergency food,” says medical doctor Steve Collins, founder of advocacy group Valid Nutrition. “RUTF contains all the essential nutrients required for someone to recover from severe acute malnutrition. They’re easy to transport, extremely energy dense, and don’t require a cold supply chain or clean water to work.”
While Nutriset's product was the first RUTF to be developed, it is not the only brand in this important field. Mana, for example, is an American-made RUTF produced in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The company states it can make 500,000 pounds of product per day—enough to fill four shipping containers, and feed 10 million children per year.
Before Plumpy’Nut, cases of severe acute malnutrition—primarily occurring among children under 5 years old, diagnosed by very low weight-for-height scores and arm circumference—needed round-the-clock care at therapeutic feeding centres. Nurses at these makeshift hospitals in often remote areas would feed infants F100, a high-energy milk powder also made by Nutriset. Bacteria was often rife. “There was always a risk that water was contaminated and carried disease,” says Collins. It's one of the reasons why mortality rates for in-patient care lurked at around 20 percent.
Over half of Plumpy’Nut is made from peanut paste and vegetable oils. The nutty primary base contains fat-soluble nutrients, as well as protein, energy, and fatty acids that spark recovery. Nearly a quarter is skimmed milk powder, containing dairy protein and essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Another quarter is reserved for sugar—masking the taste of the added micronutrients: potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, iodine, copper, selenium, and vitamins A, D, E, B complex, C, and K.
The apocryphal story is that Briend’s idea for the marvel that is Plumpy’Nut came from a jar of Nutella. In reality, it came from firsthand experience on the front line in the Sahel: The water-based solution wasn’t working—infants were still dying. Working with Nutriset founder Michel Lescanne, his idea was to add F100 to a spread of peanuts (a common crop in areas of malnutrition and a natural protein-rich source) with oil and sugar.
High in calories, low in maintenance, Plumpy’Nut didn’t require cooling nor mixing before eating. Its oil base removed the risk of bacterial contamination. And most of its energy is released through fat, meaning quick absorption of micronutrients.
Employees in 2005 at Nutriset working on the peanut-based RUTF Plumpy'nut manufacturing line in Malaunay in Normandy, France. The recipe remains practically unchanged 20 years later.
Photograph: ROBERT FRANCOIS/Getty Images
The premade RUTF sachet is a magic formula, says Collins. In starvation cases, refeeding syndrome can occur, a life-threatening metabolic condition in which nutrition that's too rapidly reintroduced leads to electrolyte imbalance. But RUTFs mean children can safely gain weight. “As opposed to highly-concentrated formulas, where a child could easily overeat, parents can simply give their child RUTF and it’s safe—the only limiting factor is appetite.”
Collins first came across Plumpy’Nut in the 1998 Sudan famine, where he set up therapeutic feeding centers. “I quickly realized this was the future,” he says, “and that these sachets had to be administered at home, not at in-patient facilities.” He helped establish Plumpy’Nut’s first widescale rollout during the 2000 Ethiopia famine, and pioneered a new community-based model: Parents would provide the emergency food rather than health care workers. It was adopted by the United Nations in 2004, and mortality rates for severe acute malnutrition with RUTF treatment are now typically under 5 percent.
Besides reduced sachet plastic and minor refinement of vitamin and mineral premixes, Plumpy’Nut remains nearly the same 30 years on. “No changes to the formulation have ever been done,” says Salima Boitout, group communication manager at Nutriset. It’s still the RUTF gold standard. UNICEF is its number-one customer, distributing around 80 percent of the world’s supply. It’s why, despite the 20-year international patent expiring by 2018, very few alternative products have emerged, as they must meet strict technical composition guidelines set by the WHO and UNICEF.
Some RUTF have reached Gaza—but supplies are rapidly dwindling. Amid mounting evidence of widespread starvation and famine, these sachets are the number one treatment, says Emmanuel Berbain, nutrition adviser at Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). “From what we’ve seen on the ground, we’re in a famine situation already, where deterioration isn’t a matter of months, weeks, or days—it’s hours.”
There were at least 63 malnutrition-related deaths in the Gaza Strip in July, including 24 children under 5, according to data from the WHO. Since May, aid has been run by the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), led by private American contractors. Only four distribution centers are open to feed a population of more than 2 million.
Berbain says plenty of RUTF sachets lie at Israel’s borders. More than 6,000 aid trucks, waiting in Egypt and Jordan, some only miles away from the Gazan border, are loaded with emergency food and medicine. But according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (Unrwa), Israel has denied entry. Authorities have since announced that a daily convoy of 200 aid trucks can enter the strip. “We know how to treat starvation, it’s nothing new, and used in nearly every humanitarian crisis this century,” adds Berbain. “Distributing pasta isn’t enough—you need to cook it, which isn’t feasible for many people. And a diet of just wheat can lead to malnourishment.”
Due to funding cuts, only around 36,000 tons of Plumpy’Nut RUTF was produced worldwide in 2024—approximately 1 million sachets a day.
Photograph: Nutriset
As starvation bites and famine takes hold, MSF nutrition clinics in Gaza are fast running out of RUTF stock, claims Berbain. But there are broader supply chain concerns. The shuttering of USAID has led to hundreds of thousands of boxes of Plumpy’Nut sachets collecting dust in warehouses around the world.
With global aid distribution networks throttled, one stockpile includes 5,000 tons of Plumpy'Nut, worth $13 million, that could feed more than 484,000 children, according to US manufacturer Edesia. Part of Nutriset’s PlumpyField global network, the Rhode Island site has operational capacity for 1.5 million Plumpy’Nut sachets a day—a sizable chunk of the 134,198 total tons of all Nutriset products processed by producers in 2023. However, due to funding cuts, just 72,000 tons of Nutriset RUTF and supplements were produced worldwide in 2024, half of which was Plumpy’Nut—approximately 1 million sachets a day.
US foreign aid cuts are also depleting UNICEF’s RUTF stocks. It warned in March that supply was running short in 17 countries, affecting 2.4 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Widespread famine is also occurring in Sudan. “The pipeline is drying up,” says Kirk Prichard, vice president of programs for humanitarian charity Concern US. “Cameroon is expected to run out of RUTF this month, with Nigeria and Somalia soon to follow.”
The US Department of State, which now administers foreign assistance programs following the official closure of USAID on July 1, didn’t respond to a WIRED request for comment.
Collins has now developed a plant-based emergency food with similar efficacy to Plumpy’Nut but made with soy, maize, and sorghum. It could be the future of RUTF, provided to children with hidden lactose intolerance or peanut allergies. But funding for the project dried up in 2021, meaning Valid Nutrition's factory in Malawi had to be closed. The group is now exploring third-party processors to manufacture the product.
Collins believes it’s symptomatic of a broader problem that’s completely man-made: Politics often comes before the lives of innocent, starving people. “With humanitarian access and space to operate, you could treat all cases in Gaza within a week with RUTF,” he says. “Without it, recovery rates will be low and slow. They’ll be more vulnerable to death.”
The Defense Department operates slot machines on US military bases overseas, raising millions of dollars to fund recreation for troops—and creating risks for soldiers prone to gambling addiction.
The Big Money and High Cost of the US Military’s On-Base Slot Machines
The Defense Department operates slot machines on US military bases overseas, raising millions of dollars to fund recreation for troops—and creating risks for soldiers prone to gambling addiction.
PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION: ANJALI NAIR; GETTY IMAGES
When Dave Yeager stumbled upon the chamber of shiny, casino-style slot machines, he felt an instant pull. It was his first night of deployment in Seoul, South Korea, and the United States Army officer was in a bad headspace. The September 11, 2001, attacks had just happened, and he had a wife and two children under the age of 5 at home whom he missed fiercely. He felt lost.
Yeager had never seen a slot machine on a military base before—there weren’t any in the US—but he figured trying his luck couldn’t make things worse. “As I’m sitting there, the first thing I’m noticing is that my shoulders are relaxing,” Yeager remembers. “Then, I won. In that moment, all the stress, the anxiety, the pain, the hurt, the fear—it washed away.”
Pulling the slot machine’s levers felt like a salve—until they didn’t. Yeager found another room filled with slot machines at his next base. Over a period of about three months, he spiraled into what he says was a “devastating obsession” with playing the military-run casino games. He eventually drained his savings, sold his stuff, even stole from his unit. He didn’t tell anyone what was going on. “I thought no one could help me,” he says.
While not everyone who plays the slots struggles like Yeager did, a growing body of evidence indicates that veterans and service members are more likely to struggle with gambling disorders than civilians, says Shane W. Kraus, an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who studies gambling disorders. Service members also tend to be more hesitant to seek help, out of fear of losing rank, security clearance, or being dishonorably discharged, he adds.
Not much has changed since Yeager served—in fact, within the last five years, the slot machine programs the military runs have been making increasing amounts of cash. And, some advocates say, they’re not funneling enough of what they make into education on problem gambling.
Drafted Into Debt
The Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP) currently operates 1,889 slot machines in 79 locations abroad, including Korea, Japan, and Germany, according to Neil Gumbs, general manager, Army Recreation Machine Program (ARMP) Installation Management Command (IMCOM). The ARMP brought in $70.9 million from its slot machine operations during the 2024 fiscal year, according to a document obtained by WIRED. That year, the ARMP made $53 million in net proceeds. (The ARMP program covers slots on Army, Navy, and Marine Corps bases, while the Air Force also has their own version of the program.)
Those figures have been increasing. In the fiscal year 2023, the ARMP brought in $64.8 million in revenue, with $48.9 million in net proceeds. The year before, it made $63.1 million in revenue with net proceeds of $47.3 million, according to documents obtained through a public records request made by this reporter through the Data Liberation Project.
From October 2024 to May 2025, the ARMP’s “house” has had some solid wins. They generated about $47.7 million from players in that period, records obtained by WIRED show. Comparatively, the total return to players from October 2024 to May 2025 was about $37 million in reportable jackpots over $1,200.
In its heyday, the ARMP brought in over $100 million in revenue, per a 2017 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), but money-in dwindled substantially between 2010 to 2020, which Gumbs attributed to “movement and reductions in force and installations.” Things began to grow again after 2020. This was partly a boost from Covid-19 boredom, along with “renewed investment in new equipment and cost/expense reductions aided in increasing entertainment on offer,” Gumbs says.
This was a few years after the ARMP installed “Morning Calm,” a popular gambling room on the Army base Camp Humphreys in South Korea (likely a reference to the country’s nickname, “The Land of the Morning Calm”). Slots at the Morning Calm location bring in considerably more than other bases, securing the ARMP more than $6 million from October 2024 through May 2025. Second place? “Ocean Breeze” at Camp Butler/Foster in Japan.
With names like that, you’d think these locations were offering serenity—not siphoning savings. But folks like Yeager claim that’s exactly what they’re doing.
When asked for comment on Yeager’s experience, the ARMP’s Gumbs said: “ARMP is affiliated with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Additionally, we promote responsible gambling, and all gaming areas and machines prominently display the national gambling hotline number.” A spokesperson for the NCPG notes that the ARMP became a member as of June 2025, after WIRED began looking into this story.
The ARMP also says it tracks which kinds of gaming machines people play the most, and how much revenue comes from each kind. For instance, 88 Fortunes—a progressive jackpot game inspired by Asian culture—is one of the most popular. It brought in more than $3 million to the house between October 2024 and May 2025. Another game, Novomatic Impera HD 5, brought in $4.3 million during that period.
Operations like Morning Calm appear much more organized than what Yeager remembers from his time in the service: “It’s like they had an extra back room, so they threw 50 slot machines in there,” Yeager recalls. He describes some rooms as the size of an average fast-food chain dining room, though the one he played in most in Seoul had maybe 200 machines. He says the atmosphere is “club-like” and dark.
Not all of ARMP cash is coming from service members—local civilians, retirees, veterans, and contractors who work on bases can also play—but a portion of the money the house generates is taken from a vulnerable population that’s literally putting their existence on the line for their country.
The money doesn’t go into thin air. The ARMP’s earnings go back into each branch’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR). Some of it pays for entertainment on bases, such as golf courses, bowling alleys, and libraries. “Proceeds that are returned to MWR are decided and allocated by the garrison commander at each installation,” Gumbs tells WIRED via email. (Garrison commanders are leaders sometimes described as “city managers” of Army installations.) Yeager and other experts say the work the MWR does is important. But he and other experts argue that the military must invest more in prevention, education, and treatment from problem gambling.
Slot History
Even though Congress banned gambling devices from domestic US bases in 1951, it’s done little to curb the ARMP on bases abroad. In the early 2000s, Congress asked the Pentagon to study how on-base slots impacted military families like Yeager’s. The Pentagon originally hired consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers to do the study, but within months ended the contract to complete the research itself. Rachel Volberg, who worked on the original PricewaterhouseCoopers report, tells WIRED that, while she was never told exactly why they decided to take it in-house, she got the strong impression “they didn't want the money to disappear because they were using it to fund recreational activities for enlisted folks.” She remembers chaplains as the main authority figures in leadership who took the issue seriously.
The final report didn’t reference new problem-gambling rates, but noted that the military couldn’t keep many of its morale operations like golf courses running “without slot machine revenue or a significant new source of cash.”
Volberg now studies problem gambling at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.# Asked for comment on the PricewaterhouseCoopers report, an IMCOM spokesperson, referred WIRED to the Pentagon, which referred WIRED back to the Army. The Army’s Public Affairs team also didn’t respond to a request from WIRED on this matter.
After the 2017 GAO report raised concerns, Congress passed a provision under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which, for the first time, required screening for gambling disorders every year for service members. A 2018 bill that would have required the DOD to create policies and programs to prevent and treat gambling disorders failed to gain traction.
Last year, US representative Paul Tonko, a New York Democrat, proposed an amendment to the NDAA that would ban the operation of slots on bases. That didn’t pass either. “Our brave service men and women sacrifice everything,” Tonko tells WIRED. “We must do all we can to support them by confronting problem gambling head-on.”
Perhaps counterintuitively, Yeager disagrees with abolishing the ARMP outright. “They do generate money for good causes,” he says, noting that having recreation on bases is key, particularly since eliminating the slots won’t eliminate ways to bet online, or the boredom and anxiety many service members feel.
Instead, he wishes the ARMP would dedicate more of its millions to helping folks struggling like he did. “Rather than just eliminate them, why don’t you mandate a small percentage of that money be turned back over into education, screening, and treatment?” Yeager says. He’d like to see a broad education campaign and more controls.
Other advocates want to see more money put into research and treatment programs, along with adding responsible gambling tools and information, says Cait Huble, communications director for the NCPG. In a 2022 review of the DOD’s responsible gambling policies compared with those of US states, the Kindbridge Research Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on gambling-related issues faced by veterans and other groups, found the DOD had the worst, compared to other jurisdictions with legal slot machine gambling in America.
When asked for comment on this report and whether more responsible gambling tools have been put in place since the Kindbridge review, Gumbs said that “proceeds that are returned to MWR are decided and allocated by the garrison commander at each installation,” and reiterated ARMP’s affiliation with NCPG and its commitment to “responsible gambling.” Another IMCOM spokesperson tells WIRED the NCPG partnership “provides us with insights, tools, and materials that help increase the visibility of responsible gaming at our locations, while also keeping ARMP aligned with the broader industry and any real-time updates from NCPG.”
In 2020, the Army updated its regulations to “provide information” to both soldiers and civilians about problem gambling. However, Huble says this isn’t enough. “Checking the box and saying: ‘We have information, there's a brochure in the health office,’ it's certainly different than making sure that clinicians and even commanders are trained in how to handle a situation where a soldier says they have a gambling problem.”
Meanwhile, another GAO report on problem gambling is expected, but some, like responsible gambling lobbyist Brianne Doura-Schawohl, say it’s “long overdue.” It’s also unclear how recent funding cuts by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the administration of President Donald Trump, a former casino mogul, will impact the report and future policy.
Yeager says that any recent DOD updates to gambling prevention policy have been “rudimentary at best,” adding: “There’s still a long way to go.”
Clear and Present Danger
For years, Yeager felt that neither the Army nor the Department of Veterans Affairs knew how to help him. That is, until 2007. He showed up to the VA (not for the first time) looking for help. By this time, he’d been disciplined and eventually released by the Army for his gambling, had separated from his wife, and survived multiple suicide attempts. Finally, a counselor dug through her desk and procured a pamphlet. “I swear to god, she blew the dust off of it before handing it to me,” he says.
It mentioned one of the VA’s few gambling treatment programs in the country, located in Ohio. This was what finally helped him. Now, he’s in recovery, spending his time working to improve the way the DOD handles problem gambling. “Because I didn’t fulfill my obligation as a noncommissioned officer, I try to fulfill it now as a veteran in recovery,” he says. “This is where I try to pay it forward.”
If Yeager could talk to defense secretary Pete Hegseth today, he has one main message to get across, starting but not ending with the gambling rooms “where the seed of gambling disorder was planted,” he says. “Educating soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen that this is a real addiction and that there’s treatment that could improve readiness and could bring people out of the woodwork who are scared to go to treatment,” he says. “It would not be difficult to do.”
For those struggling with problem gambling, you can contact 1-800-GAMBLER for the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
The new 6'5'' version of Home Depot’s viral skeleton has digital eyeballs, audio options, and a motion sensor. It’s available to buy starting today.
Courtesy of Home Depot
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I know you've seen Skelly at some point in the past five years. Maybe it was driving around your neighborhood during Halloween, or on a viral post about Halloween decorations. Maybe both! Maybe it's in your friend's yard year-round, wearing a Santa hat for Christmas and rocking 2025 glasses with a bottle of champagne for the new year. (Maybe that's just my friend's yard.)
The popular 12-foot skeleton, aptly named Skelly, has become a Halloween classic (and a permanent yard mainstay for the Halloween elite) since it launched in 2020. This year, Home Depot is launching a few new items in its Halloween collection, including a brand-new, tech-powered Ultra Skelly ($279).
Ultra Skelly is the souped-up tech edition of original Skelly, with customizable ribcage lights and eyes, four movements it can perform, preset and custom audio recordings it can repeat, a live audio option, and a motion sensor to activate it. It's shorter than the 12-foot icon, but 6 1/2 feet is nothing to scoff at, either. That just means Ultra Skelly can fit next to your front door and jump-scare your trick-or-treaters.
Ultra Fun
Courtesy of Home Depot
On the visual side, there's a light built into Ultra Skelly's mouth and chest, both of which have a full spectrum of color you can choose from in the newly revamped DecorPro SVI app (Android and iOs), which Home Depot launched last week. The most fun visual, though, is Skelly's new LCD eyes, which feature 18 different styles to choose from. There are options for both Halloween and holidays beyond, from skull and red human eyes to hearts, snowflakes, and birthday confetti. There are also a handful of non-holiday options, like blue, green, and brown eyes.
As for the audio and animatronics, Ultra Skelly has four movements with its head, mouth, arm, and torso that you can control. This high-tech skeleton also comes with five preset audio recordings and the ability to record up to 30 seconds of your own audio, which you can manipulate with eerie voice modulation. There's a live audio mode too, if you wanted to speak through Ultra Skelly while sitting out of sight.
The DecorPro SVI app works with Bluetooth, so you'll need to be within range to customize Ultra Skelly and use live audio. Ultra Skelly doesn't connect to Wi-Fi, so it's not technically smart, but it still packs plenty of futuristic fun for the holidays.
Beyond Ultra
Courtesy of Home Depot
Ultra Skelly isn't the only new addition to the skeleton family. There's a new version of Skelly's best friend: a 5-foot Sitting Skelly's Dog ($249) that will also have customizable eyes. The 7-foot standing version ($199) of the dog is back as well. This year, cat people will also be recognized with a new 5-foot Skelly's Cat ($199). The original 12-foot Skelly ($299) will return, and after a year of price raises across markets, it's nice to see it has actually stayed the same price. This regular Skelly also has customizable LCD eyes, albeit with only eight options. Ultra Skelly ($279) is actually the cheaper of the two Skelly options, even with all its cool features, but it is nearly half the size.
All of these are available today on Home Depot’s website and in the Home Depot app, along with the rest of Home Depot’s Halloween collections. If you’re looking for something else fun, don't miss the 15-foot haunted scarecrow ($399), 8-foot animated Wyvern ($399), and so much more. Happy Halloween, my fellow spooky friends.
Using AI to analyze thousands of frames taken by drone, The Piedmontese Alpine Rescue team has found the body of a doctor who had been missing since September 2024.
A Hiker Was Missing for Nearly a Year. Then an AI System Spotted His Helmet
Using AI to analyze thousands of frames taken by drone, a mountain rescue team has found the body of a doctor who had been missing since September 2024.
Drone on Monviso locating the body of a missing hiker.Photograph: CNSAS
How long does it take to identify the helmet of a hiker lost in a 183-hectare mountain area, analyzing 2,600 frames taken by a drone from approximately 50 meters away? If done with a human eye, weeks or months. If analyzed by an artificial intelligence system, one afternoon. The National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, known by it’s Italian initialism CNSAS, relied on AI to find the body of a person missing in Italy's Piedmont region on the north face of Monviso—the highest peak in the Cottian Alps—since September 2024.
According to Saverio Isola, the CNSAS drone pilot who intervened along with his colleague Giorgio Viana, the operation—including searching for any sign of the missing hiker, the discovery and recovery of his body, and a stoppage due to bad weather—lasted less than three days.
The Recovery Operations
With his back to the ground, his gaze fixed on the mountains, 600 meters below the summit, the body of 64-year-old Ligurian doctor Nicola Ivaldo was found on the morning of Thursday, July 31, more than 10 months after his disappearance, thanks to his helmet that clashed with the rest of the landscape.
"It was the AI software that identified some pixels of a different color in the images taken on Tuesday," explains Isola, reconstructing step-by-step the operation that led to the discovery and recovery of the remains located at an altitude of approximately 3,150 meters, in the rightmost of the three ravines that cut through the north face of Monviso, above a hanging glacier.
The team collected all the images in five hours with just two drones on the morning of Tuesday, July 29, and analyzed them using AI software during the afternoon of the same day. By that evening, the rescuers already had a series of "suspicious spots" to check. Only fog and bad weather the following day delayed the operations.
"We woke up at 4 am to reach a very distant point with good visibility on the channel where the red pixels had been detected, and we used the drone to see if it was indeed the helmet," says Isola. "Then we took all the necessary photos and measurements, sending the information to the rescue coordination center, which was then able to dispatch the Fire Brigade helicopter for the recovery and police operations."
The Role of AI
Every drone operation is part of a rigorous method developed by CNSAS in coordination with ENAC, the national agency that oversees civil aviation. "We've been using drones for about five years, and for about a year and a half we've been integrating color and shape recognition technologies, developing them month by month," Isola explains. "But all of this would be useless without the teams of technicians."
Information from Ivaldo's cell phone was immediately invaluable. The two drone pilots who navigated the area were aided by the experience and knowledge of four expert mountain rescuers. "It's a human achievement, but without technology, it would have been an impossible mission. It's a team success," said Isola.
Isola, his colleague Viana, and the few other "select pilots" from the CNSAS know well how crucial technology can be if used properly. "Even in the recovery operations following the Marmolada Glacier tragedy, it allowed us to operate in inaccessible areas and recover all the necessary artifacts," Isola recalls. "It prevented the rescuers from risking their lives."
The CNSAS goal is further collaboration between artificial intelligence and drones to prevent the most serious consequences of mountain accidents and save missing people while they are still alive. This combination can also be used to obtain and analyze information with thermal imaging cameras, which are sensitive only to living beings.
"Just like with still images, AI is also able to interpret thermal data and provide valuable information in just a few hours," Isola explains. "In Sardinia, a colleague recently rescued some climbers whose ropes were stuck on a rock face and was able to locate them only thanks to the drone and other technologies that are part of our method. Many of them are from wartime; we have recovered and converted them."
The hope is that, with ever-increasing use, the number of fatal mountain accidents can be drastically reduced.
This story originally appeared onWIRED Italyand has been translated from Italian.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s Biggest Problem Is Already Storage
In 2025, 256 gigabytes just isn’t enough, and tacking on more storage isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Photo-Illustration: Wired Staff/Getty Images
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The Nintendo Switch 2 is fantastic—already a contender for the biggest gaming hardware launch of 2025. I'm still playing it daily—monkeying around in Donkey Kong Bananza, enjoying tearing up its destructible game worlds, whether I'm playing on the big screen or tucked up in bed with handheld mode.
Unfortunately, just two months on from release, my console’s drive is already full. Since my copy of Bananza is digital, I've had to start juggling game installs to experience the great ape’s latest adventure. I'm probably an outlier in having maxed out capacity already, but storage anxiety is an issue that's likely to worsen for many users over the Switch 2's lifespan, and there don't appear to be any easy fixes on the horizon.
At a glance, the Switch 2's storage situation looks rosy. The console itself comes with 256 GB, which is eight times more than the original Switch's paltry 32 GB and four times the 64 GB of the Switch OLED. System software on Switch 2 is impressively small, using a smidge over 6 GB, leaving owners with a generous-sounding ~249 GB. The problem is that 249 GB ain't what it used to be, and the Switch 2 demands you use far more of that storage than the original Switch did.
The latest generation of performance, such as 4K HDR output, is necessary as Nintendo competes against both home console rivals Sony and Microsoft, and the growing number of handheld gaming PCs aiming for the Switch's portable gaming crown. However, improvements mean bigger installs for Switch 2 native games, eating up more and more of that precious space.
While Nintendo has mastered getting big results from small game sizes—open-world racer Mario Kart World is 24 GB digitally, while Donkey Kong Bananza clocks in at a mere 8.7 GB—other developers aren't as trim. JRPG Bravely Default HD, a remaster of a Nintendo 3DS game, eats up 11 GB (albeit likely down to its significant original mini games that use the Switch 2's mouse mode controls), while co-op adventure Split Fiction demands a staggering 69.2 GB—over a quarter of the internal storage for that one game alone.
If you think that sounds like an incentive to embrace physical media instead, saving space for digital-only games … well, you'd be right. Unfortunately, on Switch 2, that's not the option it once was.
A Key Problem
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
The issue is exacerbated by Nintendo's introduction of GameKey Cards for some physical games. These don't have games installed on them, merely a bearer token that allows users to download a game digitally while requiring the cartridge to be inserted to play it. Although at the time of writing, Nintendo itself hasn't released any of its first-party games in the GameKey Card format, almost every third-party game released for the Switch 2 has opted for GKCs (Cyberpunk 2077 is a notable exception; the entire game is on the cartridge).
I maintain that GameKey Cards are a significant improvement for collectors over the original Switch's code-in-a-box releases. GKCs can be traded in or sold, since access to the game is tied to the cartridge rather than a user account, and they don't leave collectors with an empty, useless case after a single-use download code has been redeemed. But the format's inescapable drawback is that it demands yet more of the Switch 2's already over-stretched storage.
Switch 2 cartridges that can house game data are limited to 64 GB, further compounding the issue. Even if publisher EA wanted to release Split Fiction on a cartridge—its "physical" release is code-in-a-box, not even a GKC—the mammoth install size couldn't fit on the cards available. Larger cards could help here, but given the bespoke design, they may prove prohibitively expensive to produce.
Plus, if third parties aren't using current 64-GB cards—chonkers such as Hitman: World of Assassination (61 GB), Street Fighter 6 (48.2 GB), and Yakuza 0: Director's Cut (45.3 GB) could all fit, but instead are released as GKCs—is there any point in doubling the size and cost? As it stands, players have no alternative but to bid adieu to even more storage if any of those games take their fancy.
The Backward Compatibility Compromise
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
One of the best things about the Switch 2 is its near-universal backward compatibility. Here, physical games have an edge, as Switch 1 carts have the actual game data, while digitally owned Switch 1 titles claim more virtual real estate alongside ballooning Switch 2 titles.
Physical Switch 1 cartridges aren't immune to data bloat on the Switch 2, though. While many Switch 1 games see a performance boost running on Switch 2, benefiting from faster load times and improved frame rates, Nintendo is releasing upgrade packs for key titles—think of them as optional downloadable remasters. If you want The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to look its absolute best on Switch 2, that pack demands 9.7 GB of space, even if you have your original physical copy of the game. The fully digital release leaps from around 14 to 24 GB with the upgrade, or roughly 10 percent of the Switch 2's storage.
Beyond original Switch games and upgrades gobbling up precious storage, the Switch 2 also sees the addition of GameCube titles to the retro library available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. Like the classic games available for earlier consoles such as the NES, SNES, or Game Boy, these are all packaged in one launcher, with every game in the respective collection installed at once.
That's fine for the SNES collection—with around 80 titles crammed into a barely-noticeable 267 MB bundle, who cares if there’s a bunch you'll never play? Yet with just four titles presently available (F-Zero, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, SoulCalibur II, and Super Mario Strikers), NSO GameCube is already a 6-GB commitment. Original GameCube discs could hold just shy of 1.5 GB, so each addition is going to see that launcher demand ever more space, and each unwanted game could prevent you from installing something else you want to play. While this only affects NSO subscribers who use the GameCube library, the freedom to choose which GameCube games get installed would be a huge help.
The good news is that Switch 2 still allows users to expand storage via microSD cards. Problem solved—just whack a massive capacity card in, right? Not quite. Switch 2 only supports microSD Express format cards. There's good reason for this—the new standard offers much faster data read and write speeds, allowing games to load faster—but the rule causes problems.
One is cost. MicroSD Express cards cost more per GB of storage than their predecessors. At the time of writing, a SanDisk 128 GB card is $17, while its Switch 2-compatible microSD Express format card is $54 for the same amount of storage—a 3X premium. Another is card capacities. There are a handful of 1-terabyte microSD Express cards on the market, but supplies are vanishingly low, and prices are astronomical. Although you can technically use multiple microSD cards with your console, Nintendo advises against it, so swapping several smaller cards around isn't an option either.
More confusingly, the SD Express format only refers to speed, not capacity, which has its own standards. Most microSD cards you're likely to buy, whether they're in the Express speed format or not, are "SD eXtended Capacity" standard, or SDXC. These can theoretically hold a maximum of 2 TB of data, though the largest legitimate card you're likely to find on sale is 1.5 TB.
However, in 2018, the SD Association—the industry body that sets standards for SD memory cards—introduced SD Ultra Capacity, or SDUC. This supports capacities up to a staggering 128 TB, “regardless of form factor, either micro or full size, or interface type including […] SD Express.” There are no SDUC cards on the market at all yet, so we're a long, long way from being able to slap "even" an 8-TB card in your Switch 2 and install everything you could dream of. In theory, though, surely this means you'll one day be able to do just that?
Photograph: Brad Bourque
Again, not quite. Beyond the microSD Express requirement for speed, the Switch 2 only supports cards up to 2 TB in capacity. For now, this is a nonissue—the largest microSD Express cards on the market are half that at 1 TB, and all are in the SDXC format for storage, which maxes out at 2 TB anyway. What's less clear is whether the Switch 2 will support SDUC cards when they eventually enter the marketplace. If it does, a firmware update might lift that 2-TB cap. If not, 2 TB of SDXC is the Switch 2's ultimate storage fate. Nintendo did not respond to our request for comment.
There are some reasons for the storage anxious to be optimistic, though. The mere existence and huge success of the Switch 2 will see more consumers demand microSD Express cards, eventually driving prices down and capacities up, at least to the SDXC standard's 2-TB limit. For most players, that amount of storage is realistically enough for all but the most covetous data hoarders. Consumer backlash could also push more third-party publishers into releasing their physical games on cartridges, rather than as Game-Key Cards, reducing storage demands.
Even simpler, if Nintendo provided more control to the user—choosing which GameCube games to install or officially supporting swapping microSD cards—players themselves could easily manage their digital collections. In the meantime, as Switch 2 digital libraries grow, there's only one option: getting used to juggling installs for the foreseeable future.
You were born barefoot, and a growing body of evidence suggests you should have stayed that way. The best barefoot shoes let your feet stretch, flex, roll, and bend. Letting them do what they evolved to do can reduce impact injuries and provide a host of other benefits.
The best barefoot footwear is … your bare feet. There is no need to run out and buy your first pair of barefoot shoes just to get started. Instead, start by walking around barefoot. This may be easier said than done; if you live in a major US city, don't stroll the sidewalks barefoot. See if a nearby park has some small stretch of grass you can explore barefoot. Don't walk far—10 paces is enough—but as you walk, pay attention to your feet. Focus on how much of your foot is actually in contact with the ground. If you're like most people, this can be a mind-blowing experience.
Realistically though, there aren't many places most of us can go barefoot all day. Enter the barefoot shoe. In this guide, we've got advice on making the transition from padded shoes to “barefoot shoes” (also known as minimalist shoes or zero-drop shoes), and we've rounded up our favorites. They're as close as you can get to achieving that barefoot sensation without running afoul of “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” signs.
Updated August 2025: We've added Vivobarefoot's Magna ESC boots, Xero D-Trail sandals, and Vivobarefoot's Sensus shoes. We've removed a few sold out shoes and also updated prices and links throughout.
It's summer, who needs shoes? I love these sandals. They are the only shoes that have ever inspired me to write 1,000 words. They are really that good. Think of these as the barefoot answer to Chacos. Except where Chacos are like putting tractors on your feet, the Z-Trails still flex and bend as you walk, giving your feet the freedom of movement you expect from a barefoot shoe. Despite being sandals, these have 10 mm of cushion, which is more padding than most of the shoes you see here. That makes the Z-Trail a good option for newcomers.
Having been wearing barefoot shoes for seven years now, I don't wear these as much as I once did. I prefer the even more minimalist Xero Z-Trek sandals ($63), which eliminate the soft padding in favor of an extra-minimal 6-mm sole. I don't recommend the Z-Trek if you're just starting out with barefoot shoes, but if you're looking for something more minimal they're ideal.
The Vapor Glove 3 was the first barefoot shoe I ever tried, and three generations later the Vapor Glove 6 is still a great shoe for running. These make a good intro to barefoot running because they're still fairly shoelike (you don't have to go straight to Micah True-style homemade huaraches), but with a wide toe box and tight heel cup. They have zero drop (the heel is the same height as the forefoot) and minimal padding, putting them firmly in the barefoot shoe camp. It's a solid, comfortable shoe that will fit a wide range of feet and stand up to all the abrasion and other abuse of trail running.
My only problem is that Merrell feels the need to update the Vapor Glove constantly. I missed a couple of versions, but after spending some time in the Vapor Glove 6 this summer I'm back to recommending these, especially for newcomers who want to run barefoot. The one thing I don't like about these shoes is that they only last me about six months of average use (say 3-5 miles, three days a week).
Vivobarefoot's Primus Trail shoes have been in this guide in various guises since it launched years ago, but this latest version is their best. While I have picked the Merrell Vapor Glove over these for most people, these are my favorite running shoes. If I lived in Southern California or the desert, I'd probably stick with the Merrells, since they're cheaper. But I don't. I live in a climate that turns to complete muddy mess for four months of the year and a frozen world of snow for another four.
That's where Vivobarefoot's all-weather Primus Trail come in. They are not kidding about the all-weather. These really do keep my feet dry in anything I've thrown at them. Except like, running through a river, but no shoe stays dry when you submerge it. Despite this, my feet don't feel overly suffocated, nor do they end up a soaked sweaty mess (pro tip: get these Minus33 Merino Trail Running running socks ($23), they will change your life). Originally I disliked the outer material of these, which makes noise at first, but that went away as these broke in and these are now my go-to running shoes.
Want to get as close to the ground as possible? The 3-mm stack height in these Vivobarefoot Sensus shoes is the smallest I've been able to find, making them the best shoes for barefoot minimalists. The leather uppers are soft and comfortable, molding to your feet like a pair of gloves. They have tiny vent slats cut in the leather, but these are on the warmer side and would not be my top pick for hot summer days (see the Xero sandals above for summer). The rest of the time, though, these are the shoes I wear.
The side stitching that attaches the upper to the outsole gives these shoes an “elfin” look, according to my daughter, but that stitching also makes the Sensus extremely flexible, increasing the range of motion your foot has when walking. Your foot can easily roll as you walk on the ground. I do occasionally hit a piece of gravel that I feel (not in a good way), but otherwise there's enough padding that you don't have to think about where you step, but plenty of barefoot feel to make them an enjoyable shoe to walk and run in.
I've tried almost a dozen barefoot boots for snowy conditions, and Vivobarefoot’s Magna Forest ESC are my favorite for most people. The 7-mm lug height offers impressive traction in snow and ice, though there is a corresponding loss of ground feel. Still, I haven't tried anything with better traction, and in snow and ice I prioritize traction over ground feel. The tops of these have a neoprene collar that doesn't make them entirely waterproof but does a good job of keeping snow and ice out in most scenarios. (If you're sinking in up to your knees, you're beyond the capabilities of these boots.) Unlike most boots these aren't too heavy, either.
All that said, if you have to survive a real winter—New England, northern Midwest, etc.—I prefer the heavier-duty Tracker Forest Esc ($280). They have the same excellent sole but feature an all-leather upper that's waterproof (as much as shoes can be) and a beefier construction that feels more durable. I've worn these down to –25 F, and with some good, heavy wool socks my feet were toasty warm.
There is not a ton of scientific research to back the concept of grounding, or being in direct contact with the earth (you can read about here if you're new to the idea), but my personal experience has been interesting enough that I continue to do it everyday. Unfortunately, while barefoot shoes are wonderful for foot health, biomechanics, balance, ground feel, and dozens of other reasons, they're still usually made with synthetic soles, so you don't get the benefits of grounding. Vivobarefoot's new Pilgrim boots change that, allowing you to ground without taking off your shoes.
I've been testing these extensively for almost a year now. Comfort-wise, I love these as boots. They're the most minimally=soled boot on this page, so if you want great ground feel, a wide toe box, and minimal padding in a boot, they're worth it for that alone. The one downside to this is that walking in the snow, my feet did get colder, but that's true of any thin-soled shoe. The grounding aspect is more difficult to show in words other than to say that I have tested it with a continuity tester and it does indeed keep you grounded. For more on how I tested, check out this video from Vivobarefoot trainer and grounding expert Joshua Holland. I used the same methods with nearly identical results. If you're interested in earthing but can't go barefoot as much as you'd like, these boots offer a way to ground without getting your soles dirty.
If you've never run in sandals before, Luna's Mono Winged Edition is a great way to start. These are technically what I (and Luna) call “zero-drop,” rather than “barefoot.” The soles are thick enough to provide a good cushion—you're less likely to bruise your feet the first time you run in them. At the same time, the strap design allows your ankle to get used to moving around in a way that modern running shoes do not allow, easing the transition to sandals and barefoot style shoes. That's not to say that veteran barefoot runners won't enjoy them as well. I love them for hard surfaces, like concrete and asphalt. Experienced barefoot enthusiasts looking for a thinner sandal might like Luna's Venado sandals ($95), which lack the trail-friendly sole but are much thinner.
At first glance the D-Trail looks like the Z-Trail with a slightly different strap pattern. It is that, the bottom of the sole is the same (Xero's 5.5-mm FeelTrue rubber outsoles), but it also adds a wide swath of soft padding between your feet and the straps. I find the D-Trail to be more comfortable than the Z-Trail thanks to the padding under the strap. Because the toe and arch strap padding extends out wider than strap, the D-Trails end up feeling every bit as secure on your foot, possibly more so, than the Z-Trails, despite having fewer straps. I also like that the hook-and-loop closure makes it easier to get these on and off. They are also made with vegan-friendly materials.
One thing to note, there is no heel cup here like you have in the Z-Trail and Z-Trek sandals. I was worried this might allow more debris to get under my shoe, but I've not found that to be the case.
My wife came back from her first run in these Softstar Primal RunAmocs and said they were so good, she'd never wear any other shoe again. I agree; they're excellent shoes. The soles are minimal, like those in the rest of this guide, but for some reason they seem softer and let me feel the ground more than many others. The leather uppers are the softest leather I've ever owned and, surprisingly, don't make my feet overly sweaty (which I was worried about going in—again, merino wool socks help a lot). The toe box is wide, almost comically so, but after wearing these you'll never want to go back to a smaller toe box. The more your toes can move, the better you will run.
If you routinely run in muddy conditions, I'd suggest the Megagrip model, which uses a Vibram sole with more traction on it. My other suggestion is that you use Softstar's sizing guide but then order a full size bigger, as all three pairs I tested were on the small side. I should also note that Softstar makes some great barefoot shoes for children as well.
WIRED readers are big Freet fans. I got quite a few emails suggesting I try these, and I'm glad I did because the Tangas are my new favorite around-the-house shoes. The single-piece mesh upper is made of recycled coffee grounds, so they lean on the positive side of the sliding scale that is environmental friendliness. They're also very comfortable, and the mesh fabric is nicely breathable for warm days.
The Tangas sport a thicker 6.5-mm sole out of the box, but it's easy to pull out the insole and reduce that down to 4 mm if you want a thinner feel. This makes them a good way to start your barefoot journey, since you can reduce the amount of padding as you go.
★ Alternative: Xero's Pagosa slippers ($70, Men's/Women's) aren't nearly as robust as the Freet Tangas, but make a good slip-on for around-the-house wear in cooler months. They're vegan (fake wool) and keep your feet toasty without feeling trapped. My only complaint is that the soles squeak loudly on my floors, YMMV.
WIRED readers emailed me asking about barefoot leather boots so I tested quite a few, and these Lems rose to the top of the stack for two reasons: They're incredibly well made and they have that rugged leather boot look that's otherwise missing in the barefoot shoe world.
Barefoot purists will decry the 13-mm sole; just call it a zero-drop boot if you get hung up on technical terms. That said, I found these somewhat jarring after years in 6-mm sandals. There is very little ground feel, but they're reasonably wide, especially in the toe box, which helps give them a different feel than your typical leather boots. When the snow has been dumping and the thermometer is just a puddle of red well below 0 degrees, these are nice to have.
If you don't understand the virtues of a slip-on boot, you don't live where it snows. Aren't you lucky? Well, this year I lived in snow, and was jealous of these Vivobarefoot Chelsea boots my wife has been wearing all season. They're well made, with the leather glued and stitched to the outsole, which makes them potentially repairable as well (I have not tested it, but Vivobarefoot has a program called ReVivo, which will repair shoes). My wife says they're the most comfortable boot she's worn. The stack height here is 5 mm, though the way the sole wraps around the sides makes these a little stiffer than what barefoot enthusiasts might be used to. That said, these are by all accounts, very comfortable shoes.
★ Alternative: Xero's Ridgeway Chelsea ($160, Men's/Women's) was our previous pick here and it's still a great boot, but I like the repairable aspect of the Vivobarefoot Chelseas. That said, there is no men's version currently available so I suggest the Xero Ridgeway Chelsea. Just be sure to size up. My experience has been that the Ridgeway Chelsea runs small.
The Gobi IV is Vivobarefoot's take on a barefoot chukka-boot style casual dress shoe. The wild hide leather is sourced from independent African cattle farmers. If you're looking for a shoe to wear around town, this is one of the best-looking barefoot shoes you'll find. The leather is soft, and I had no issues with chafing. I didn't mind wearing them without socks; my feet did not get sweaty in the leather, as I'd feared. That said, they're definitely the warmest shoes on this page, so keep that in mind if you live someplace hot.
The sole is a 4mm outer, with a cork inner that ends up at about 6mm overall, giving them good ground feel and plenty of movement. They do run wide—especially in the toe box (a good thing, really)—so I recommend trying these on in person if you can. I've included links to last year's Gobi III, which is very similar and can still be had in some sizes for bit less money.
The original HFS is back. After updating the HFS with what Xero called the HFS II, it is now, by popular demand, making the original HFS again. I've tried several of Xero's various running shoes, but the HFS is my favorite for running on human-made surfaces like concrete and asphalt. That said, they work great on trails too. I went backpacking in mine with a 45-pound pack and had no problems. Barefoot purists (yes, those exist, see the barefoot running subreddit) would argue that these are pushing the definition of barefoot, but why let semantics get in the way of a great shoe? These are comfortable and durable, and they offer about 7 mm of padding to soften the impact of running on hard surfaces.
Whenever I tell someone I'm testing barefoot shoes, if they have any response at all it's usually, "Oh, like those five-finger things?" Yes, these are the classic, perhaps original barefoot shoe (if you're willing to disregard millennia of sandal-making around the world).
Barefoot shoes aren't for everyone, and these FiveFingers are especially not for everyone, but I really like them. The foot-shaped sole and separate toes make them very minimal. I am especially fond of the KSO model ($115), which is lighter and more flexible than the traditional FiveFingers. I've come to appreciate the separation of toes—it does actually help with balance and it allows your toes to naturally splay wider. It also leads to things like walking through undergrowth and ending up with a bouquet of dandelions stuck between your toes.
One of the places going barefoot can be most beneficial is lifting weights. Allowing your toes to splay freely improves balance and stability, and lifting barefoot has been shown to improve foot and ankle strength. If you're like me, you just swing a kettlebell barefoot at home (and yeah, it's scary at first to be barefoot around a kettlebell, but let's face, shoes aren't going to help you if you drop a kettlebell on your foot). But what if you are not like me, and your workouts take you to the gym?
Pedestal footwear has your solution. The company advertises its barefoot, um, shoes saying "it looks like a sock but functions like a shoe," which is pretty close to the truth. These are socks with a nice, grippy, waterproof latex bottom on them. I tried the Treads Crew, though after wearing them for a bit, I wish I'd opted for the low. The sock portion of the shoe is a wool and nylon blend. Unfortunately, I can't find a percentage for the wool content, but I suspect it's low. These feel very synthetic to me. The good news is they don't start to smell until after a few wears. If I were doing a lot of lifting, especially squats, these are the "shoes" I'd be wearing. They're also plenty grippy enough to do yoga on bare floors, if you have some way to keep your hands stable.
Modeled (somewhat) on the running sandal of the famous Tarahumara runners, the Genesis sandal was my first exposure to Xero Shoes. You buy either a DIY kit to make your own sandals or opt for the premade Genesis. These are fast becoming my favorite shoes, but beginners shouldn't start here.
These are a mere 4-mm sole with some shock cord to hold them to your feet. Despite their apparent flimsiness, they're wonderful to run in and great for just lounging around the house. Buyer beware: They will take some getting used to, and having a cord running between your toes is not for everyone.
Ever since I went to barefoot shoes, the one thing I've really been missing is a good pair of water shoes—something for paddling, stepping into streams while fishing, or wading in shallow bays where old fishhooks might be present. Xero's Aqua Cloud sandals are pretty darn close to what I was after. They're very similar to the Genesis above, but with some extra grip on the foot bed and a raised heel cup to keep out sand and gravel. The result is a shoe that's comfortable and performs well in the water.
I found the Aqua Cloud great for fishing and paddling. (I strapped them to the front of the SUP I tested so I had footwear for forays ashore.) Wading in sandals isn't the best, and that's true of the Aqua Cloud as well as my trusty old Chacos. Still, these are my go-to sandal for all things water-related, up to whitewater rafting, which is the one thing I keep my Chacos around for.
My son was only 1 when he tried these, so he couldn't exactly tell me how much he liked wearing the Vivobarefoot Pluma Knit shoes, but he clearly loved the grip and flexibility they gave him. He had an easier time climbing on slides with these shoes (something all toddlers are on a mission to do) and slipped less often than he did in classic soles. These knit shoes were easy to slide on and off his wide, thick little baby foot and didn’t squeeze. The only downside was that, even though they were knit, they didn’t seem particularly warm, and my son preferred to wear them with socks. A funny upside: Never in my life have I gotten so many compliments on a pair of toddler shoes. —Nena Farrell
FAQs
How do you define a barefoot shoe?
Readers often ask why we don't include Altra or other zero-drop shoes. The answer has to do with how thick the sole is. Our definition of a barefoot shoe is that it should have a thin sole, or stack height as this is sometimes called. I put the cutoff at 10 mm or less (ideally less) to allow for good ground feel and toe splay, and to give you the kinds of feedback your foot needs to maintain natural movement.
That said, there are some categories where this doesn't always make sense. WIRED readers asked about heavier, work-boot style shoes, so we now include Lems boots. They have a 13-mm sole, but no arch. Splitting hairs over definitions does more harm than help to the barefoot community in my opinion. Zero-drop shoes are a huge step up from high-arch, super-padded running shoes, and if that's where you want to start, that's great.
How do I get started with barefoot shoes?
You've probably been wearing padded shoes most of your life. Don't expect to toss them and be able to do the same mileage—whether walking or running—in barefoot shoes. To a certain degree, you must relearn how to run and walk. It's going to take a conscious effort on your part, and it can be very difficult. You're not just learning, you're also unlearning some ingrained habits. The key is to go slow. Very, very, absurdly slow.
How you approach barefoot shoes depends on what you're looking to do. I happened to be getting into running, which worked out nicely because I had to take it slow (I sucked). If you're currently an ultra-marathoner and want to try barefoot shoes, you'll have a hard time holding yourself back. If you're somewhere between those poles, it'll still be hard not to overdo it. Focus the discipline you usually use for distance into not doing distance.
If you don't know where to start, check out Graham Tuttle's YouTube channel, especially his foot strengthening exercises. These will help you develop the foot and ankle strength you lack if you're coming from years of padded shoes, and help reduce muscle soreness when you're getting started in barefoot running. Tuttle also offers some paid programs aimed at giving you a more personalized guide (I have not tried any of these). Another YouTube channel I've found helpful is the MovNat channel, which isn't barefoot-specific but has plenty of good barefoot advice sprinkled throughout its content. And if you haven't read Christopher McDougall, both Born to Run and Natural Born Heroes are fun barefoot-related reads. Indeed, Born to Run arguably did more to popularize barefoot running than anything else since the padded shoe was born in the early 1970s.
It's also worth saying that barefoot shoes are not a zero-sum game. For over a year I wore barefoot shoes running, regular shoes for other tasks, and sandals the rest of the time. It's not all or nothing. If you go on a barefoot run and then slap on your favorite Converse right after, that's OK. It's equally important to know that everyone is different. It took me six months to fully transition to barefoot shoes. But that's just me. It might take you two months or two years. Go at your own pace, and don't worry about the experiences of others.
Scott Gilbertson is Operations Manager for the WIRED Reviews Team. He was previously a writer and editor for WIRED’s Webmonkey.com, covering the independent web and early internet culture. You can reach him at luxagraf.net. ... Read More
Searching for the best yoga mat to help deepen your flow, master tree pose, and discover the meaning of life? For two of the three, we’ve got you covered.
What Happens to Your Data If You Stop Paying for Cloud Storage?
Hit by subscription fatigue? Here’s what happens to your files and photos if you cancel your paid storage plan.
Photo-Illustration: Wired Staff/Getty Images
If it's been a while since you added up how many digital subscriptions you're paying for, it's likely to be more than you think: streaming services, software packages, games, AI bots, health and fitness wearables ... the list goes on.
You can add cloud storage subscriptions to that list too. Apple, Google, and Microsoft offer very little in the way of free storage in the cloud, which means if you want the convenience of having your photos, videos, and other files safely backed up and accessible on every device, you're probably going to have to pay for it.
What if you don't want to have these subscriptions for life, though—what if you've found a better option for your backups and storage (and there are plenty of options out there)? You might be wondering what happens to the years and years of files you've amassed in the cloud if you cancel your storage subscription.
While we can't cover every single cloud storage service here, we've picked four of the main ones below. Here's what happens to your data if you stop paying, and what you need to do with your files before hitting the unsubscribe button.
Apple iCloud
You can manage your iCloud subscription from any Apple device.
David Nield
Pricing for Apple iCloud storage starts at $0.99 per month for 50 GB of space, and you get extras like Hide My Email included too. You can manage your subscription from your iPhone by going to Settings, tapping your name and then Subscriptions, and from System Settings on a Mac by selecting your name, then iCloud.
If you cancel your iCloud storage, you go back down to the free allocation of 5 GB. If you currently have more than that in the cloud, you won't be able to make new backups or sync any new files until you've freed up some space—so you'll need to delete files to add any new ones.
What Apple is less clear about is what will happen to your existing data. The official documentation implies, but doesn't specifically say, that your files will be kept in a read-only state, with no backups completing until you delete files or increase your storage plan. The iCloud terms and conditions state that if you've not backed up a device for 180 days, Apple “reserves the right” to delete any existing backups (including photos and videos)—so it may delete your files, and it may not.
Given this timeline, it's unlikely that anything will happen to your files immediately after you cancel, though we'd recommend getting your iCloud files backed up somewhere else as soon as possible—bearing in mind that any local copies of this data you have won't be affected by canceling your iCloud storage plan.
Google One
Google Takeout lets you download everything in your Google storage.
David Nield
If you pay Google for cloud storage, your pricing options start at $1.99 per month, which gets you 100 GB of space in the cloud. As with Apple, there are extras attached, and you can manage your current plan via the Google One dashboard on the web.
Choose to unsubscribe from your Google One package, and you go back down to 15 GB of storage space, across Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, and Google's other apps. For all the time you're over that limit, those apps will essentially freeze—as in, you won't be able to send or receive emails in Gmail or create new files in Google Docs.
You won't be able to sync new files to Google Photos or Google Drive, either. Google says if you stay over the free storage limit without paying, “all the content that counts toward your storage quota may be deleted”—so as with Apple, there's a “may” in there.
Your files are safe from this fate for two years after canceling, but unless you want your Gmail and other Google apps to become pretty much unusable, you'll need to free up some space or back up your files somewhere else. Thankfully, you can download everything from your Google cloud storage quite simply, via Google Takeout.
Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is tightly integrated into Windows.
David Nield
As with Apple and Google, Microsoft OneDrive storage comes with bonus goodies included, not least Microsoft Office at the higher storage tiers. The most basic one, which gives you 100 GB of room, will set you back $1.99 a month.
You get 5 GB of OneDrive cloud storage space for free with a Microsoft account, and if you cancel your subscription, that's what you go back to. As per Microsoft, as long as you're over that limit and not paying, you won't be able to sync any new files. Existing files will remain, but in a read-only state. You also won't be able to send or receive emails in Outlook.com, or Teams messages with attachments.
Microsoft gives you six months to decide what to do with the files in your OneDrive account, after which it “may” (there's that word again) decide to delete the files you have on Microsoft's servers. Once they're deleted, Microsoft warns, they’re gone forever. If you need these files, you need to download them and move them somewhere else (the OneDrive clients for Windows and macOS can help here).
Unlike Google, Microsoft treats its cloud storage and email storage services separately. You get 15 GB of cloud space with Outlook for free, and 100 GB of space if you pay $1.99 a month (on top of the other 100 GB). You can't send or receive email if you are over your limit, so you'll need to clean up your inbox to start using it again.
Dropbox
You can sync your Dropbox files to Windows or macOS using the desktop clients.
David Nield
We can't cover every single cloud storage service in this article, but here's one more: Dropbox. Dropbox users get 2 GB of storage space in the cloud free of charge, and then the paid plans begin at $9.99 per month for 2 TB of space.
If you store more than 2 GB of files in your Dropbox, and then stop paying, nothing happens to those files: They will just stay as they are, in the cloud, and on your synced devices. However, you won't be able to add new files, and any changes you make locally to files won't then be synced to the cloud.
There's no expiration date on your files either—they'll just stay as they are permanently. Presumably Dropbox wants to encourage users to sign up for another paid plan somewhere down the line, at which point you can pick up where you left off.
You can use the Dropbox clients for Windows and macOS to sync files from the cloud to your computers, and from there to other locations and backup services. Once files are moved out of or deleted from your Dropbox folder on your computer, they'll be wiped from the cloud too.
At the turn of the 20th century, the renowned mathematician David Hilbert had a grand ambition to bring a more rigorous, mathematical way of thinking into the world of physics. At the time, physicists were still plagued by debates about basic definitions—what is heat? how are molecules structured?—and Hilbert hoped that the formal logic of mathematics could provide guidance.
On the morning of August 8, 1900, he delivered a list of 23 key math problems to the International Congress of Mathematicians. Number six: Produce airtight proofs of the laws of physics.
The scope of Hilbert’s sixth problem was enormous. He asked “to treat in the same manner [as geometry], by means of axioms, those physical sciences in which mathematics plays an important part.”
His challenge to axiomatize physics was “really a program,” said Dave Levermore, a mathematician at the University of Maryland. “The way the sixth problem is actually stated, it’s never going to be solved.”
But Hilbert provided a starting point. To study different properties of a gas—say, the speed of its molecules, or its average temperature—physicists use different equations. In particular, they use one set of equations to describe how individual molecules in a gas move, and another to describe the behavior of the gas as a whole. Was it possible, Hilbert wondered, to show that one set of equations implied the other—that these equations were, as physicists had assumed but hadn’t rigorously proved, simply different ways of modeling the same reality?
For 125 years, even axiomatizing this small corner of physics seemed impossible. Mathematicians made partial progress, coming up with proofs that only worked when they considered the behavior of gases on extremely short timescales or in other contrived situations. But these fell short of the kind of result that Hilbert had imagined.
In 1900, David Hilbert came up with a list of 23 problems to guide the next century of mathematical research. His sixth problem challenged mathematicians to axiomatize physics.
Photograph: University of Gottingen
Now, three mathematicians have finally provided such a result. Their work not only represents a major advance in Hilbert’s program, but also taps into questions about the irreversible nature of time.
“It’s a beautiful work,” said Gregory Falkovich, a physicist at the Weizmann Institute of Science. “A tour de force.”
Under the Mesoscope
Consider a gas whose particles are very spread out. There are many ways a physicist might model it.
At a microscopic level, the gas is composed of individual molecules that act like billiard balls, moving through space according to Isaac Newton’s 350-year-old laws of motion. This model of the gas’s behavior is called the hard-sphere particle system.
Now zoom out a bit. At this new “mesoscopic” scale, your field of vision encompasses too many molecules to individually track. Instead, you’ll model the gas using an equation that the physicists James Clerk Maxwell and Ludwig Boltzmann developed in the late 19th century. Called the Boltzmann equation, it describes the likely behavior of the gas’s molecules, telling you how many particles you can expect to find at different locations moving at different speeds. This model of the gas lets physicists study how air moves at small scales—for instance, how it might flow around a space shuttle.
Zoom out again, and you can no longer tell that the gas is made up of individual particles. It acts like one continuous substance. To model this macroscopic behavior—how dense the gas is and how fast it’s moving at any point in space—you’ll need yet another set of equations, called the Navier-Stokes equations.
Physicists view these three different models of the gas’s behavior as compatible; they’re simply different lenses for understanding the same thing. But mathematicians hoping to contribute to Hilbert’s sixth problem wanted to prove that rigorously. They needed to show that Newton’s model of individual particles gives rise to Boltzmann’s statistical description, and that Boltzmann’s equation in turn gives rise to the Navier-Stokes equations.
Mathematicians have had some success with the second step, proving that it’s possible to derive a macroscopic model of a gas from a mesoscopic one in various settings. But they couldn’t resolve the first step, leaving the chain of logic incomplete.
Yu Deng usually studies the behavior of systems of waves. But by applying his expertise to the realm of particles, he has now resolved a major open problem in mathematical physics.
Photograph: Courtesy of Yu Deng
Declaration of Independence
Boltzmann could already show that Newton’s laws of motion give rise to his mesoscopic equation, so long as one crucial assumption holds true: that the particles in the gas move more or less independently of each other. That is, it must be very rare for a particular pair of molecules to collide with each other multiple times.
But Boltzmann could not definitively demonstrate that this assumption was true. “What he could not do, of course, is prove theorems about this,” said Sergio Simonella of Sapienza University in Rome. “There was no structure, there were no tools at the time.”
The physicist Ludwig Boltzmann studied the statistical properties of fluids.
ullstein bild Dtl./Getty Images
After all, there are infinitely many ways a collection of particles might collide and recollide. “You just get this huge explosion of possible directions that they can go,” Levermore said—making it a “nightmare” to actually prove that scenarios involving many recollisions are as rare as Boltzmann needed them to be.
In 1975, a mathematician named Oscar Lanford managed to prove this, but only for extremely short time periods. (The exact amount of time depends on the initial state of the gas, but it’s less than the blink of an eye, according to Simonella.) Then the proof broke down; before most of the particles got the chance to collide even once, Lanford could no longer guarantee that recollisions would remain a rare occurrence.
In the decades since, many mathematicians tried to extend his result, to no avail.
Then, in November 2023, Deng, now at the University of Chicago, and Hani, of the University of Michigan, posted a preprint that teased the desired proof. A forthcoming paper, they wrote, would build off their latest result to investigate “the long-time extension of Lanford’s theorem.”
Other mathematicians didn’t know what to make of the announcement. “I didn’t think it was possible,” said Pierre Germain of Imperial College London. Deng and Hani didn’t even usually work with particle systems; until that point, they’d mainly been studying systems made up of waves (like rays of light).
So mathematicians eagerly awaited the promised proof.
When Particles Collide
Deng and Hani’s 2023 result involved an analysis of the transition from the microscopic scale to the mesoscopic scale in the context of waves. About a year before the mathematicians posted their paper online, Deng was at a conference, where he met with a graduate student at Princeton University named Xiao Ma. They ended up discussing Deng and Hani’s work, and how they might adapt the methods to particles. Doing so would allow them to extend Lanford’s result—to show that particle recollisions are rare even on longer timescales.
It was an idea that Deng and Hani had already been considering. Impressed by Ma’s insights on the topic, Deng invited him to help them turn their intuition into a proof.
The trio hoped to focus on a much-studied scenario where mathematicians had already proved the second, meso-to-macro step in Hilbert’s sixth problem. In this scenario, a dilute gas of spherical particles is trapped in a box. If a particle hits one of the box’s walls, it reappears on the opposite wall.
But to prove the harder micro-to-meso step for this setting—thereby resolving Hilbert’s sixth problem—Deng, Hani, and Ma had to port their wave-based techniques over to particles. So they started in a setting where that task would be a little bit easier. They worked with a gas whose particles are distributed randomly in an infinite amount of space; unlike the particles in the boxed gas, which keep bouncing off each other forever, these particles eventually disperse and stop colliding. “In the whole-space case, there is a shortcut,” Deng said.
Illustration: Wei-An Jin/Quanta Magazine
The three mathematicians first needed to tabulate the different patterns of collisions that might occur in their gas, and how likely each of those patterns was. They could easily rule out scenarios with particularly high rates of recollisions. This left them with a finite, though still massive, number of patterns to analyze—each involving a certain subset of particles colliding, in a certain order. Once they knew exactly what each pattern entailed, they could use that information to estimate its likelihood of occurring.
But that often felt like an impossible task, because many of the patterns involved huge numbers of particles and intricate, indirect interactions between them. “The structure of these sets [of colliding particles] gets exceedingly complicated,” Deng said. In principle, the mathematicians would need to keep track of every one of these particles simultaneously to compute the probability estimates they needed.
That’s where Deng and Hani’s previous work on waves gave them an important insight. In that result, they’d figured out ways to break up complicated patterns of interacting waves into simpler ones. They’d carefully crafted their technique so that, by working with only a few waves at a time, they could still get a good estimate for the likelihood of the more complicated complete wave pattern.
They hoped the same idea would work in the particle setting.
But after a collision, particles behave very differently from waves. For instance, particles, unlike waves, bounce off each other, greatly affecting the resulting pattern of collisions and its probability of happening. Deng, Hani and Ma needed to rework the details of their strategy from the beginning.
Zaher Hani studies solutions to equations that arise in oceanography, plasma physics, and quantum mechanics.
Photograph: Courtesy of Zaher Hani
First, they tackled the simplest cases, in which each particle collides just a few times over a very short time span, with no recollisions. They then gradually moved on to harder and harder cases—longer amounts of time, with more collisions and recollisions.
It was as much an art as a science. “The intuition was developed gradually, starting with some unsuccessful attempts,” Deng said. They had to get a sense for how to slice up large, complicated patterns of particle collisions in a way that would simplify their calculations while keeping their estimates highly accurate.
“This is a process that takes months,” Hani said. “We would be stuck constantly.” Nearly every day, they jumped on a Zoom meeting to talk things through. “Much to the dismay of my wife, some of them happened very late at night, or very early in the morning,” Hani said. “I would put my daughter to sleep, and then we would have two or three hours of Zoom meetings.”
Finally, by the spring of 2024, the trio was sure they had covered everything. Their proof, which they posted online that summer, confirmed that recollisions had to be very, very uncommon. They’d shown, as they’d hoped to, that in their infinite-space setting, Boltzmann’s description of the gas could be derived from Newton’s. The microscopic and mesoscopic scales fell under a single rigorous mathematical framework.
“I think it’s outstanding work,” said Alexandru Ionescu, a mathematician at Princeton who was also Deng’s and Ma’s doctoral adviser. “These are some of the most significant advances in many, many years.”
They were now ready to return to the gas-in-a-box setting, where they could finally solve Hilbert’s sixth problem.
The Completed Chain
It didn’t take long for them to extend their result from the infinite-space setting to the boxed one. “Eighty percent of the proof is still the same in the whole-space case,” Deng said.
In March, they posted a new paper that combined their proof with the earlier results connecting the Boltzmann equation to the Navier-Stokes equations. The logical chain was complete: They’d shown that, for a realistic model of a gas, a microscopic description of individual particles does indeed ultimately give rise to a macroscopic description of the gas’s large-scale behavior.
The work didn’t just mark the resolution of a major case of Hilbert’s sixth problem. It also provided a rigorous mathematical resolution of an old paradox.
At the microscopic scale, where particles act like billiard balls, time is reversible. Newton’s equations predict both where a particle comes from and where it’s going. The future is not fundamentally different from the past.
But at the mesoscopic and macroscopic levels, there is no going back in time. “We know very well that, going forward in time, one ages but does not rejuvenate; heat does not spontaneously pass from a cold body to a warm body; a drop of ink in a glass of water spreads, darkening the liquid, but does not spontaneously return to the small, round shape it originally had,” Simonella wrote. Neither the Boltzmann equation nor the Navier-Stokes equations are time-reversible; if you try to run time backward, the results will be nonsensical.
To Boltzmann’s contemporaries, this was perplexing. How could a time-irreversible equation be derived from a time-reversible system?
But Boltzmann argued that there was no paradox: Even if each particle can be modeled in a time-reversible way, almost every collision pattern ends up with a gas dispersing. The chance of, say, a gas suddenly contracting is essentially zero.
Lanford had confirmed this intuition mathematically for his very short time frame. Now Deng, Hani, and Ma’s result confirms it for more realistic situations.
Going forward, mathematicians—who are still poring over the details of the new proof—want to test whether similar techniques might be useful in other, even more realistic contexts. These might include gases made up of particles of different shapes, or particles that interact in more complicated ways.
Meanwhile, Falkovich said, these sorts of rigorous proofs can help physicists understand why a gas behaves a certain way at various scales, and why different models might be more or less effective in different scenarios. “What mathematicians do to physicists,” he said, “is they wake us up.”
Editor’s Note: Deng and Hani’s work on the system of waves was funded in part by the Simons Foundation, which also funds the editorially independent Quanta magazine.
These weatherproof outdoor security cams keep a watchful eye on your property while you get on with life. Our list includes battery-powered and LTE devices and cameras that need no subscription.
These weatherproof outdoor security cams keep a watchful eye on your property while you get on with life. Our list includes battery-powered and LTE devices and cameras that need no subscription.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Complete security systems are expensive, but installing a couple of the best outdoor security cameras outside your home is affordable and easy. Cover the exterior, and you’ll know whenever there’s an intruder. Outdoor security cameras can deter burglaries, home invasions, and porch pirates, and they’re also great for monitoring the comings and goings of your family and pets.
The potential benefits of a security camera system are attractive, but there is a trade-off in privacy, and you can expect some ongoing costs and maintenance. After years of rigorous testing, our top pick is the Arlo Pro 5, but I’ve identified the outdoor security cameras in several other categories, like pan-and-tilt options or best for local storage. I also highlight what should be top of mind when buying an internet-connected device, as well as installation advice.
Updated August 2025: We've added more helpful content, and TP-Link, Swann, and Imilab cameras to our honorable mentions. We've also added the Night Owl to our don’t recommend list.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Security Camera?
Security cameras can be very useful, but you need to choose carefully. You might not be as concerned about potential hacks as you would be with indoor security cameras, but no one wants strangers tuning in to their backyard. Follow these tips to get the peace of mind you crave without infringing on anyone’s privacy.
Choose your brand carefully: There are countless outdoor security cameras on the market at temptingly low prices. But unknown brands represent a real privacy risk. Some of the top security camera manufacturers—including Ring, Wyze, and Eufy—have been breached, but public scrutiny has at least forced them to make improvements. Any system is potentially hackable, but lesser-known brands are less likely to be called out and often disappear (or change names) when they are.
Consider security: A strong password is good, but biometric support is much more convenient and secure. I prefer security cameras with mobile apps that support fingerprint or face unlock. Two-factor authentication (2FA) ensures that someone with your username and password cannot log in to your camera. Usually, it requires a code from an SMS, email, or an authenticator app, adding an extra layer of security. It's an industry standard, but it's still something you need to manually activate. I do not recommend any cameras here that don’t at least offer 2FA as an option.
Keep it updated: It's vital to regularly check for software updates, not just for your security cameras and apps but also for your router and other internet-connected devices. Ideally, your chosen security camera has an automatic update option.
What Features Should I Look for in Outdoor Security Cameras?
There is a lot to consider when you are shopping for an outdoor security camera. It can be tough to determine which features you need, so here are some important questions to run through.
Video quality: You may be tempted to go with the highest-resolution video you can get, but this isn't always the best idea. You can see more details in a 4K video, but high resolution 4K video requires much more bandwidth to stream and more storage space to record than Full HD (1080p) or 2K resolution. Folks with limited Wi-Fi should be cautious. You will generally want a wide field of view, so the camera takes in more, but this can cause a curved fish-eye effect at the corners, and some cameras are better than others at correcting for distortion. An important feature, particularly if your camera is facing a mixed lighting location with some shadow and direct sunlight (or a streetlight), is HDR (high dynamic range) support, as it can prevent light areas from blowing out or dark areas from losing detail. One last thing to consider on video quality is the frame rate. A low frame rate can cause artifacts and blurring with moving subjects, and anything below 20 frames per second is likely to be jerky.
Connectivity: Most security cameras will connect to your Wi-Fi router on the 2.4-GHz band. Depending on where you intend to install them, you may appreciate the support for the 5-GHz band, which enables the stream to load more quickly. Some systems come with a hub that can act as a Wi-Fi range extender. Bear in mind that you shouldn't install a security camera in a location without a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Subscription model: Most security camera manufacturers offer a subscription service that provides cloud storage for video recording. It isn’t always as optional as it seems. Some manufacturers bundle in smart features such as person detection or activity zones, making a subscription essential to get the best from its cameras. Always factor in the subscription cost, and make sure you are clear on what is included before you buy.
Local or cloud storage: If you don't want to sign up for a subscription service and upload video clips to the cloud, make sure your chosen camera offers local storage. Some security cameras have microSD card slots, while others record video to a hub device inside your home. A few manufacturers offer limited cloud storage for free, but you can usually expect to pay somewhere around $3 to $10 per month for 30 days of storage for a single camera. For multiple cameras, a longer recording period, or continuous recording, you are looking at paying between $10 and $20 per month. There are usually discounts if you pay annually.
Placement is important: Remember that a visible security camera is a powerful deterrent. You don't want to hide your cameras away. Also, make sure the view isn't peering into a neighbor's window. Most cameras offer customizable zones to filter out recording or motion detection for areas of the camera's frame. If you buy a battery-powered camera, remember that you will have to charge it periodically, so it has to be somewhat accessible. The ideal placement for security cameras is around 7 feet above the ground and angled slightly downwards.
False positives: Unless you want your phone to ping every time your cat wanders onto the porch or when the neighbor’s dog runs through your garden, consider a security camera that can detect people and filter alerts. Good cameras will also enable you to set privacy or activity zones.
Night vision and spotlights: Outdoor security cameras generally have infrared night vision, but low-light performance varies wildly. You always lose some detail when light levels are low. Most night vision modes produce monochrome footage. Some manufacturers offer color night vision, though it is often colorized by software and can look odd. We prefer spotlights, as they allow the camera to capture better-quality footage, and the light acts as a further deterrent to any intruder. But they aren’t suitable for every situation, and they drain batteries faster if not wired.
Camera theft: Concerned about camera theft? Choose a camera that doesn’t have onboard storage. You might also want to consider a protective cage and screw mount rather than a magnetic mount. Some manufacturers have replacement policies for camera theft, especially if you have a subscription, but they usually require you to file a police report and have exclusions. Check the policy thoroughly before you buy.
Is It Better to Have Wired or Wireless Security Cameras?
Wired cameras usually require some drilling to install, must be within reach of a power outlet, and will turn off if the power source does, but they never need to be charged. If you buy battery-powered security cameras, the installation is easier, and you can pick the spots you want. They usually run for months before needing to be recharged and will warn you when the battery is low, but that does mean you have to remove the battery, or sometimes the entire camera, to recharge it, which typically takes a few hours. It’s worth noting that you can buy solar panels to power some battery-powered cameras now, which gives you the best of both worlds.
How We Test Security Cameras
I test every security camera for at least two weeks, but often far longer. I run through the installation process and note any issues. I check that alerts come through correctly to my phone when I am home, connected to Wi-Fi, or away connected to a cellular network. I usually place two or more cameras in the same spot to compare picture quality, motion detection, and other features. I consider the image resolution, frame rate, and audio quality of videos and the live feed. I also check for lag with the live feed. I test the performance during the day and see how it copes with the sun facing the lens, and how it performs in the dark at night (testing both spotlight and night vision). I check how long the live feed and recorded videos take to load at different times of the day.
I play around with the settings in the app to try every mode and feature. I test any smart-detection features to see if they can correctly identify people. I test the two-way audio for a short conversation and try the siren where applicable. I also test local storage and cloud storage options for recording videos. If there are any smart-home integrations, I set them up and check how quickly the feed loads on a smart display. I always ensure that the cameras recommended support 2FA and test any additional security or privacy features.
Crystal-clear footage day or night, speedy load times for the live feed, and a smart notification system make the Arlo Pro 5 my favorite outdoor security camera. It connects directly to Wi-Fi, has a wide 160-degree field of view, and records at up to 2K resolution with HDR. (Your feed won't look blown out when there's a light source in the frame.) There’s also a choice of color night vision or spotlight, which uses an integrated light to illuminate the scene. Two-way audio is clear and relatively lag-free, and there’s a built-in siren. Over months of testing, it has mostly proven to be consistent and reliable. I very occasionally observed long loading times and a slight lag (two to three seconds) on the live feed. Arlo technical support was unable to help. The first issue seemed to resolve itself (possibly a firmware upgrade), but the lag comes and goes. Arlo claims up to eight months of battery life, but this depends entirely on how busy it is; mine needed a charge after less than four months.
It has an easy-to-use app, and the camera filters motion alerts by people, animals, vehicles, and packages. The notification system is swift and accurate, offering animated previews and screenshots with highlighted subjects that are easy to read even on a smartwatch screen. The catch? You need an Arlo Secure plan ($10 per month or $96 a year for a single camera, $20 per month or $216 a year for unlimited cameras) to make the most of these features, and it also gets you 30 days of cloud video history. HomeKit support requires an Arlo Base Station and an Apple Home Hub. This camera is called the Pro 5S in some regions.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 2K, 24 fps
Recording: Cloud-only
Audio: Two-way audio, Siren
Smart Home: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT
★ Alternative: If you want the best picture quality possible, the Arlo Ultra 2 ($180) is a 4K camera that offers everything the Pro 5 does but boasts a wider 180-degree field of view and a higher resolution. While 4K footage is incredibly crisp and HDR ensures a balanced picture, you have to subscribe to an Arlo Secure plan to unlock this camera’s full potential. Additionally, 4K streams require a lot of bandwidth (you need fast internet service and a good router).
Considering the lower cost and the option to record locally on a microSD card, the Tapo Wire-Free MagCam (C425) comes surprisingly close to matching our top pick on features. It connects directly to Wi-Fi, has a 150-degree field of view, and can record video at up to 2K and 30 frames per second, but you have to change the default settings in the app. Even at the highest quality setting, it doesn’t match our top pick, and the lack of HDR is noticeable when the sun shines, as bright areas can become blown out. Higher-quality footage impacts battery life, too, and my MagCam needs a charge every three months or so. But you can get it bundled with a solar panel for $115. The magnetic base makes it easy to fit and remove to recharge. It has a built-in spotlight for color night vision, though it doesn’t penetrate far into the gloom, and I got better results with the black-and-white night vision.
The Tapo app is solid, with the ability to categorize motion (person, pet, vehicle), activity zones you can filter by detection type, and privacy zones. The two-way audio is passable, and there’s a built-in alarm. Notifications came through swiftly, and the live feed usually loaded within three or four seconds but occasionally took longer. A Tapo Care subscription (starting from $3.50 per month or $35 per year for one camera) gets you cloud storage (30-day video history), rich notifications with snapshots in them, and video filtering. It supports various smart home platforms, and the camera feed loaded quickly on my Nest Hub. The Tapo C420S2 ($160) is a similar two-camera kit with an indoor hub, which may be a more secure way of recording locally (you still need a microSD card).
If you want to kick things up a notch and don't mind spending a bit more, I also tested the excellent Tapo MagCam 4K Solar ($150), which boosts the resolution to 4K and comes with a solar panel, but otherwise offers the same features as the regular MagCam.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 2K, 30 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 512 GB) or cloud
If you're willing to spend more, the EufyCam S3 Pro is an impressive system that boasts on-device AI detection for people, pets, and vehicles, as well as face recognition. While it’s not as accurate as Google Nest’s Familiar Faces feature, it works on-device and does a reasonably good job of identifying faces you’ve tagged. Video resolution goes up to 4K, and these cameras have built-in solar panels to keep their batteries topped up. There's also 16 GB of local storage (expandable up to 16 TB) on the connected HomeBase S380 hub. Footage is extremely detailed at the highest resolution, and the app is feature-packed, enabling you to set detection zones, tweak sensitivity, and have two-way conversations.
This system is more expensive than most home security cameras and might be overkill for some people. You need a fast and reliable internet connection for the cameras if you want to record in 4K. Eufy has vastly improved the color night vision for the S3 Pro compared to its predecessor, the EufyCam 3 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), and added a radar sensor for improved motion detection. Sadly, the low frame rate can still lead to blurring and choppiness. I wish Eufy would increase the frame rate on its cameras (they are generally limited to 15 fps). Facial recognition is the real attraction you won’t find elsewhere without cloud processing, and it does cut down on the need to review videos when you get an alert. If you want cloud storage, it starts at $4 per month for a single camera. This system does have HomeKit support, but remember that it will limit your resolution to 1080p.
Specs
Max Resolution: Up to 4K, 15 fps
Recording: Local on HomeBase S380 or cloud
Audio: Two-way audio, Siren
Smart Home: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
Provided you can run a power cable without too much trouble, a wired security camera can be a better choice than a battery-powered one for a back or side entrance. Some of our favorite Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems come from TP-Link, and its Tapo camera line is generally affordable and reliable, if a bit basic. The C325WB hits a new high with a large aperture and image sensor that enables color nighttime footage without a spotlight, making it ideal for dark corridors and side passages. It also has a motion-triggered spotlight. You can filter for people, pets, or vehicles, and set up private zones in the Tapo app. This camera is weatherproof with an IP66 rating and can take up to 512 GB microSD cards for local recordings.
By default, the camera mostly records at 720p, so you need to dig into the settings to push the resolution to 2K and turn on HDR, or you can expect choppy, overexposed video. I also had to reduce the motion-detection sensitivity to prevent false positives, and the onboard AI is flaky, frequently identifying my cat as a person. While the feed was mostly quick to load in the Tapo app, it was sometimes slow or failed to load on my Nest Hub. There’s an Ethernet port here, too, but sadly, no PoE (power over Ethernet) support. Cloud storage is an option with Tapo Care (from $3.50 monthly for a single camera). Minor issues aside, this camera is excellent for the money, and it boasts excellent color night vision.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 2K, 20 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 512 GB) or cloud
This versatile outdoor security camera combines many of our favorite features into a single set-and-forget device. The main lens has a 135-degree field of view and records crisp, clear video at 2880 x 1620. It is paired with a telephoto lens that gives you 3X zoom in the center of the frame (it goes up to 8X hybrid zoom). This is also a pan-and-tilt camera, so you can pan through 360 degrees and tilt through 70 degrees. The battery is good for up to three months, but it also comes with a solar panel you can fit to the top of the camera or locate nearby. It even has 8 GB of storage built in for local recordings.
Eufy’s app and alerts are quite good, though I sometimes found it took a few seconds to load the live feed. There is onboard AI for human and vehicle detection, and this camera can track subjects and return to fixed preset positions. It worked fairly well, but it does identify my cat as a human quite often. The default video frame rate is 15, which can lead to blurring and choppiness, especially for fast-moving subjects. Configurable activity zones and detection sensitivity allow you to reduce false positives. It also has a spotlight and two-way audio, though the sound quality is not great. This camera can be hooked up to Eufy’s HomeBase S380 (sold separately) for up to 16 TB of storage, and you can get cloud storage starting from $4 per month for a single camera.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 3K, 15 fps
Recording: Local on 8 GB built-in storage, HomeBase S380, or cloud
You may need several security cameras to cover an area, but the Ezviz H8 Pro offers an alternative solution. It can pan 340 degrees horizontally and tilt 80 degrees vertically. The H8 Pro is an imposing, sphere-shaped camera that connects via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and the versatile L-shaped bracket lets you attach it to an overhanging portion of the roof or a wall. It can handle bad weather, but you have to run a cable to a power outlet, as it has no battery. Screw open the panel to reveal the microSD card slot for cards up to 512 GB in size (sold separately), enabling you to keep recordings local.
The Ezviz app is a little clunky, but it loads the end-to-end encrypted feed quickly. The video resolution is 2K and captures plenty of detail. The on-device person detection is consistently accurate. There’s two-way audio, though it can sound quite distorted. The black-and-white night vision is crisp, and it switches on two spotlights for color footage when it detects motion. Sadly, there’s no HDR, so it struggles with mixed lighting, but at up to 30 frames per second, it captures moving subjects clearly. Cloud storage with Ezviz CloudPlay is optional but pricey, starting at $4 monthly for a single camera and just seven days of video.
Annoyingly, you have to set the camera position back on the view you want after panning around, but you can save several preset locations as shortcuts. It can also track moving subjects and will return to the last used preset when the subject moves out of frame. The H8 Pro is almost identical to the C8W Pro ($130), which it replaces here. If 1080p footage is enough for you, I also tested and liked the cheaper C8C ($70), though it lacks the tracking capability.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 2K, 15 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 512 GB) or cloud
The Nest Cam (Outdoor) works best for anyone with Google Assistant running the show in the home. This smart security camera is battery-powered and easy enough for renters to install, with a simple mounting plate and a proprietary magnetic mount that makes it easy to customize the angle. The 130-degree field of view encompassed my driveway, front door, and most of my front yard. It captures sharp 1080p video with HDR and night vision, and it has a clear speaker and microphone. The alerts are seamless, and the motion detector was accurate and sensitive enough to tell that the slight whisk of a passing ponytail was a person.
You need a Google account and the Google Home app to use it. You don't need the $10 per month or $100 per year Nest Aware subscription, but most people buying Google devices are probably not afraid of storing data on the cloud or of machine learning. It's worth it to have features like the camera's ability to learn faces and 30-day event history, and even more so if you're bundling it with your Nest Doorbell. The battery needs to be charged after a little more than a month.
You should also consider the Nest Cam with Floodlight. WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu has been using it for more than a year with no major problems. While it's the same battery-powered camera, it needs to be hardwired to power the lights (and keep the battery running).
I already have a couple of pan-and-tilt cameras listed here, but Reolink’s Altas PT Ultra scores a recommendation with a unique trick: This battery-powered camera supports continuous recording in up to 4K resolution. It can pan 355 degrees and tilt 90 degrees, supports Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 or 5 GHz), and has a versatile L-shaped bracket for installation on a wall or roof. It is bulkier than your average security camera because of the whopping 20,000-mAh battery. The optional solar panel will keep it topped up if you live somewhere sunny enough, but when I tested the continuous recording in the gloomy winter of Scotland, the camera needed regular weekly charging. You can record locally to a microSD card, Reolink Home Hub, or opt for cloud storage starting from $3.50 per month.
The continuous recording captures low-frame-rate footage (5 fps by default, but you can select 1, 2, or 10), and the camera kicks up to its full frame rate when motion is detected, but it only maxes out at 15 fps. The 10 prerecorded seconds on each clip can be handy, and the footage is generally crisp and clear, though the camera could benefit from HDR to prevent bright areas from blowing out. The color night vision is very good if there’s at least a little light, and there’s a spotlight if you prefer. The two-way audio can be a little laggy, but the live stream usually loads quickly, and the camera sends accurate alerts. It can recognize people, vehicles, and animals and automatically track them before returning to its starting position.
For folks who can’t install a wired camera but want to make sure they don’t miss the start of an event, Reolink’s Altas PT Ultra could be the answer. Pair it with the Reolink Home Hub for 64 GB of secure storage indoors (expandable by up to 1 TB). The Hub can link up to eight Reolink cameras.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 4K, 15 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 512 GB), Reolink Home Hub, or cloud
Covering an area with a single camera can be tricky, and pan-and-tilt cameras are not always quick enough to follow the action. This dual-lens camera from Reolink stitches two views together for a full 180-degree view capable of covering the entire side of a building or multiple entry points. Calling this 4K is a stretch since Reolink is stitching together two 2K video feeds to give you a panoramic 5120 X 1440-pixel resolution, but the video is crisp, and the color night vision is impressive. You can record locally to a microSD card (not supplied) or snag the more secure Reolink Home Hub for inside your home. I like that you can use the camera without creating an account, and the support for FTP and NAS is rare. Cloud storage is also an option starting from $3.50 per month. Connectivity was rock solid thanks to support for dual-band Wi-Fi 6. You can set motion zones, tweak sensitivity, and filter for people, animals, and vehicles. There is a 300-lumen spotlight, siren, and two-way audio.
Sadly, fast-moving subjects are problematic because the frame rate is limited to 15 fps, and the camera can be slow to trigger a recording. The narrow vertical field of view can also miss action directly beneath it. You need the supplied solar panel because the battery drains quickly, but it is kinda big and ugly. The wide view also makes it a little tough to review footage on your phone (you have to use landscape orientation). Minor issues aside, for folks with a wide area to cover and a preference for keeping things local, the Argus 4 Pro is uniquely well-suited. This camera also works with the Reolink Home Hub.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 4K (2K + 2K), 15 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 512 GB), Reolink Home Hub, or cloud
If you need a security camera in an area with patchy or no Wi-Fi, go with the Arlo Go 2. It boasts 4G LTE support, and in the US, you can get service from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Cellcom, or UScellular. You can take it camping, use it with your RV, or install it in another remote spot you want to keep an eye on. Video quality is solid but limited to 1080p to keep the data requirements under control. There’s also two-way audio, a siren, a spotlight for color night vision, and optional local storage with a microSD card (sold separately). The camera is IP65-rated and completely wireless, with a hefty battery inside (mine is at 39 percent after two months). If you’re worried about charging it, you can buy a solar panel ($60) accessory.
The Arlo Go 2 employs the same excellent app as our top pick, with smart alerts and rich notifications, so you can filter for people, animals, vehicles, and packages. Alerts are swift and accurate in my testing, but your mileage will vary based on local signal strength. You will need an Arlo Secure plan ($8 per month for one camera, $18 per month for unlimited) and a data plan on top, which can get expensive. Video recorded on the microSD card cannot be accessed remotely; it’s more of a backup that you can check later if required. One thing that elevates this camera over many other LTE cameras is that it supports Wi-Fi and automatically connects where it’s available, which is ideal for RV owners.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 1080p, 24 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 2 TB) or cloud
While spotlights on outdoor security cameras are common now, they rarely provide enough illumination to light up a driveway or backyard. For that, you need a floodlight camera. I'm currently testing a few floodlight security cameras, but the Eufy E340 has emerged as an early favorite. Like the S340 above, the E340 is a dual-lens camera, comprising a 3K wide-angle lens and a 2K telephoto lens that offers up to 8X zoom to capture details up to 50 feet away. It also has two adjustable light panels capable of putting out up to 2,000 lumens. There are some brighter options you might want to consider for larger areas, but I think this will be enough for most folks. It can pan 360 degrees and tilt 120 degrees, and you can wall or ceiling mount, making it ideal for under your eaves. To record locally, you can insert a microSD card up to 128 GB or connect to a HomeBase 3 (sold separately). Cloud storage is optional, starting from $4 per month for a single camera for 30-day event history. Another big pro for this camera is the support for continuous recording.
Eufy’s alerts are swift and fairly accurate (it sometimes flags my big cat as a human), with onboard AI capable of detecting humans, pets, and vehicles. The live feed is usually quick, but sometimes takes a few seconds to load. You get all the usual extras, including activity and privacy zones, black-and-white night vision, and two-way audio. There is also a 95-decibel siren. I like that I can pick preset positions for the camera to patrol, and schedule and tweak the intensity of the light. The AI tracking is quite good at following subjects, and the camera returns to your preferred position when the subjects leave the frame. The main weakness is the frame rate (15 fps), which means fast-moving subjects can appear blurry. You may also need an electrician to install it.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 3K and 2K, 15 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 128 GB), HomeBase S380, or cloud
This versatile outdoor security camera from Aqara is the perfect choice for smart homes, especially if you have outdoor smart lighting or other devices in your backyard, since it doubles as a Matter controller and a Thread border router. It can also work as a Zigbee hub, but only for Aqara devices. Video is rich and clear, the camera has a 133-degree field of view, and the large sensor has an f/1.0 aperture that enables excellent color night vision. There's also a 100-decibel siren, the two-way audio works well, and there's a decent spotlight. The onboard AI can identify people, vehicles, animals, and packages. The app is a bit busy, with many options, including lingering and sound detection. You can record locally on the internal storage or to NAS, or subscribe for 90-day video history. An Aqara HomeGuardian subscription costs $5 a month or $50 a year for one camera and $10 a month or $100 a year for unlimited cameras. Sadly, some features like event filtering, SMS or email notifications, and video sharing require a subscription.
While this camera supports any smart home platform, it would also be our pick for folks seeking an Apple HomeKit camera. Just bear in mind that you need a HomeKit hub, such as a HomePod Mini or Apple TV, and an iCloud storage plan, and there are pros and cons to Apple's HomeKit Secure Video. It does limit you to 1080p, but rich notifications let you play video clips right from your iPhone's lock screen. There are two versions of this camera, but both require wired power, via USB-C for the Wi-Fi model or an Ethernet cable for the PoE version.
Specs
Video Quality: Up to 2K (1080p with HomeKit), 20 fps
Recording: Local (8 GB internal), NAS (RTSP, SMB), or cloud
Audio: Two-way audio
Smart Home: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant, Samsung SmartThings
Some security cameras support local storage, enabling you to record videos on the camera or a linked hub. A few hubs have built-in storage, and some provide slots for hard drives, but most rely on microSD cards. This is a quick guide on what to look for (plus some recommendations).
The microSD card you choose should have fast read and write speeds so you can record high-quality video and play it back without delay. I recommend going for Class 10 microSD cards rated as U1 or U3. You can dive deeper into what that means in our SD card explainer. Before you buy, check the card type, format, and maximum supported card size for your security camera. Consider how many hours of video each card capacity can store. For example, you might get a couple of days of HD video on a 32-GB card. If you want to record continuously, you likely want a higher-capacity card.
I recommend formatting the card as soon as you insert it into the camera. You will usually be prompted to do this, but if not, there is generally an option in the settings. Just remember, formatting will wipe anything on the microSD card, so back up the contents first.
Some security camera manufacturers offer their own branded microSD cards. They work just fine, but for maximum reliability, I’d suggest one of the following options. Remember to always check the specs. Even different sizes of cards in the same range often have different capabilities.
I've tested several other outdoor security cameras. These are the ones I like, but they just missed out on a place above.
Photograph: Simon Hill
TP-Link Tapo C660 for $170: I was excited to try TP-Link’s new line of Tapo cameras, and the C660 immediately jumped out with some compelling features. Offering 4K footage, 360-degree pan and 90-degree tilt, a 10,000-mAh battery, a sizable solar panel, and local storage on a microSD card, the C660 is a solid choice for hard-to-reach areas. To sweeten the deal, it has on-device AI detection and dual-band Wi-Fi support, and it can record continuously at 1 fps (you can up the capture interval to every 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds). Sadly, I found the tracking was flaky, moving subjects at night often appeared blurry (the frame rate is 15 to 20 fps), and the sound was tinny and echoey. The camera has to be mounted quite high, as it’s angled down, and I have concerns about continuous recording and battery life in the winter. It handled a router change without issue, staying connected, and despite a few false positives the AI detection works well, and the app loads swiftly. For some folks, it may be a better option than our pan/tilt recommendations above.
TP-Link Tapo HybridCam Duo C246D for $70: Undeniably great value, this dual-lens pan/tilt camera from TP-Link is worth a look. The versatile design allows for indoor or outdoor use, and you can sit the camera on a table or shelf or mount it the other way round using the supplied bracket. The only complication for outdoor use is the need to run the USB-C power cable to an outlet. There’s a 2K fixed lens with a 130-degree field of view and a second 2K telephoto lens that can pan 360 degrees and tilt 135 degrees. You can insert a microSD card if you want to record locally, and there’s on-device AI detection that works pretty well (I did get the odd false positive). The automatic tracking is quite good but not perfect, especially at night. Fast-moving subjects can appear blurry, and the frame rate maxes out at 15.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Swann MaxRanger 4K 2-Camera Kit for $369: This kit was very easy to set up, as the cameras come paired with the hub, so you just need to plug the hub into your router. The 4K video is crisp and clear with vibrant colors, and the cameras worked well day or night. The main selling point is range, and I was able to put a camera at the bottom of my garden, which is too far away for most security cameras to work well. I also love that you can see multiple feeds simultaneously in the app, and the hub has a backup battery, just in case the power goes out. But the solar panels on top of these cameras don’t seem to work well, and one of the cameras drained quite quickly, even with ample sunlight. I also had to turn off and reconnect the system after changing my router, despite having the same network name and details. While it was generally quick, the feed sometimes took a while and, on one occasion, completely refused to load, so I have concerns about consistency.
Imilab EC6 Panorama for $100: This interesting and affordable camera combines a 180-degree view created by stitching two lenses together, like the Reolink Argus 4 Pro above, with pan (344 degrees) and tilt (90 degrees) functionality to give an expansive view that might usually require multiple cameras. It’s large and designed to sit under your eaves, but you will also have to run a power cable, as there’s no battery. You get decent 3.5K quality footage and infrared night vision. It works with Xiaomi’s Home app, and you can record locally on a microSD card. There is on-device AI detection for people and vehicles, and the camera can automatically track subjects, though it doesn’t always work well, especially at night. Daytime footage is also much better than nighttime, even with the spotlight to enable color capture.
Eufy Security Solar Wall Light Cam S120 for $100: In the right spot, this weather-resistant security camera and motion-activated light from Eufy is an excellent set-and-forget device. It records 2K video on 8 GB of built-in storage, has a 300-lumen, motion-activated light, and a solar panel to keep it charged up (it needs two hours of sunlight a day to stay charged). The camera is not Eufy's best, as it's limited to a 120-degree field of view, it doesn't have HDR, and the frame rate is only 15 fps. The footage is reasonably crisp when you set the resolution to 2K, and alerts come through reliably and swiftly. You can also set privacy and activity zones in the app, set detection to human-only, and tweak how the light works. The S120 has an alarm built in, offers reasonable two-way audio (though only one way at a time), and has night vision. The S120 is a little slower to load than the other Eufy cameras I recommend here, and it sometimes misses the beginning, starting the video with subjects already halfway across the frame. But as a one-off purchase, with no need for a subscription, it will suit some folks.
Philips Hue Secure Camera for $90: Homes kitted out with Philips Hue smart lights may find its security camera range interesting. The Philips Hue Secure Wired Camera (7/10, WIRED Recommends) and the Philips Hue Secure Battery Camera ($160) are quick and easy to add to the Hue app, offer crisp 1080p video, and are both weatherproof, with an IP65 rating. They offer a fairly expansive 140-degree field of view, two-way audio, and a siren, and are quick to send motion alerts. The live feed loads swiftly in the Hue app. But, to get the most from them, you need to subscribe for $4 per month ($40/year) for a single camera, which gives you 30 days of cloud storage and unlocks smart detection features. You can set up privacy and activity zones, and filter by person, animal, vehicle, and package. The AI performed well for me, and all video is end-to-end encrypted (there’s no local storage option). If you have a Hue Bridge, you can have the cameras trigger your indoor or outdoor lighting. I set up the Battery Camera to trigger a Discover Outdoor Floodlight ($180), and it works great (no more stubbed toes when I take the trash out after night has fallen). The Battery camera drained by only 12 percent in the first two weeks (on course for between three and four months), but then it seemed to die overnight. I have since recharged (which took more than eight hours), and it seems to be working normally. Ultimately, the wired camera works better, but both are unreliable when it comes to alerts, sometimes missing events that other cameras caught, so they're only worth considering for Hue fans.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Baseus Security S1 Pro for $180: This camera kit from Baseus includes two outdoor security cameras with solar panels on top and a 16-GB local storage hub for inside (expandable via SSD up to 16 TB). Each camera has two lenses (a regular wide-angle and a telephoto for close-ups), which is an interesting idea but requires careful placement. The footage is good at up to 3K but only 15 fps, and there’s no color night vision without the spotlight. The cameras can’t move, but the solar panels on top can rotate to catch more rays. While mine stayed topped up, this feels a bit gimmicky. There is human and vehicle detection, but I got several false positives (cats flagged as humans), and it sometimes alerted me, but failed to record video clips. The two-way audio is good. While this system doesn’t match the EufyCam S3 Pro above, it is cheaper.
Aosu 4K Solar for $150: I’m always a little wary about new brands, but my first impressions of this 4K outdoor security camera were good. It’s a solid package with a built-in solar panel to keep the battery charged. The feed loads quickly, the app alerts correctly for humans and vehicles (the animal detection isn’t so effective), and the camera offers two-way audio. Sadly, the video frame rate is low, and there’s no HDR. The color night vision is also a bit ropey. You can record locally on a microSD card or subscribe to Aosu’s cloud for $4.49 monthly.
Reolink Duo 3 PoE for $180 or Duo 3 Wi-Fi for $190: Most folks seeking a dual-lens camera that stitches together for a 180-degree view should opt for the Reolink Argus 4 Pro listed above, but if you can run an Ethernet or power cable, you could save some money with the Duo 3. It also offers a higher resolution than the Argus, but it only has color night vision with a spotlight. The Wi-Fi version only needs a power cable, but annoyingly, you do have to plug in via Ethernet during the initial setup. Both versions work well and use the same app as the Reolink cameras above.
Annke NightChroma NCD800 for $300: Probably best suited for a small business, this PoE dual-lens camera offers clear 4K footage and color night vision. It stitches the two images to give you a complete 180-degree view. There is built-in AI human and vehicle detection, and Annke claims it can learn to disregard waving branches, raindrops, and other false positives. There’s a spotlight that can strobe along with the siren sounding to scare intruders away, decent two-way audio, and local recording via NVR, NAS, or microSD card. Setup is tricky, and you need to run an Ethernet cable to the camera as there’s no battery or Wi-Fi.
Logitech Circle View for $160: There are some big caveats to this camera, including the permanently attached 10-foot power cord that's not weatherproof, the need for a HomeKit hub, such as HomePod Mini or Apple TV, and zero compatibility with Android. If none of that fazes you, then it's a solid outdoor camera for privacy-minded folks. It doesn't have a separate app of its own; you add it directly in Apple's Home app by scanning a QR code. It captures Full HD video and boasts an extremely wide 180-degree field of view, though there's a bit of a fish-eye effect here. (The lack of HDR also means areas are sometimes too dark or blown out.) There's motion detection, two-way audio, and decent night vision, and you can ask Siri to display the live feed, which loads quickly.
Annke C800 for $66: This is a solid PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) camera that supports the Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) and Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF), making it a good choice for folks with a network video recorder (NVR), though it also has a microSD card (up to 512 GB) slot for local recording. The footage is crisp at up to 4K with a 123-degree field of view, and there’s color night vision, with black-and-white and a spotlight as backups. Installation may be tricky as you must run an Ethernet cable, but that means no worries about power and no Wi-Fi woes. I tested the turret version, but this camera also comes in a dome or bullet shape. The motion detection is quite good, with minimal false positives, and the camera recognizes humans and vehicles reasonably accurately. Annke’s software is a bit clunky, though.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Safemo Set P1 (2-Pack) for $190: I love the idea of a simple kit like this, where you just plug the hub in, connect it to your router, and install the pre-paired cameras. Each has an optional solar panel to keep the battery charged. The Safemo app is well-designed, video goes up to 4K, and this entirely local system boasts 32 GB of storage (expandable up to 4 TB). It even has locally processed person, vehicle, pet, and package detection. The person detection was mostly accurate (it occasionally flagged my cat), and the vehicle detection flagged my robot lawnmower (close enough) and an inflatable donut that blew across the backyard, but false positives were rare. What prevents me from wholeheartedly recommending this impressive debut is the lack of 2FA (Safemo says it is coming) and connectivity issues, where one of the cameras would occasionally disconnect from the hub and be inaccessible in the app. This always righted itself without me moving anything, but worryingly, it happened a few times. If you plan to up the resolution to 4K from the default SD, you will need fast internet, especially to view the live feed, which I found was choppy and pixelated at 4K, though recorded videos were sharp and detailed.
Imilab EC6 Dual 2K WiFi Plug-in Spotlight Camera for $80: With dual 2K lenses, this security camera can cover a fixed spot and simultaneously track a subject. The bottom camera offers pan/tilt controls. It works via the Xiaomi Home app, making it an easier sell if you already have a Xiaomi phone or other gadgets from the Chinese brand. You can insert a microSD card for local storage or subscribe for cloud storage. The person detection and tracking worked well in my tests. The video was mostly crisp, but movement was sometimes a bit jerky, and fast-moving subjects can get blurry. It does have WDR but could use HDR to prevent bright areas from blowing out.
Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera for $50: This is the most affordable way to try Arlo’s wares, and it’s a solid security camera. Setup is a breeze, the 1080p footage is clear, and the rich notifications are the best, but you need an Arlo Secure subscription ($10 per month or $96 a year for a single camera, $20 per month or $216 a year for unlimited cameras). Compared to our top pick, the Essential has a narrower field of view and lacks HDR, so it loses details in bright and dark areas. I also tried the Essential XL ($100), which is the same camera with a much larger battery (4x longer-lasting).
Ezviz H3C for $60: I had issues setting this wired camera up because it can only connect to 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi, but once up and running, it proved a decent performer. The Ezviz app has 2FA and allows fingerprint unlock, which is handy. There’s also onboard AI for person detection, a spotlight, black-and-white night vision, and two-way audio, though it's laggy and poor quality. The video quality is decent at up to 2K, and the live feed is fast to load. All in all, it’s not bad for the money. I also tested the Ezviz EB8 4G, which is quite similar to the H8 Pro I recommend above, except it can connect to 4G mobile networks—this means it doesn’t require Wi-Fi, though you will need a SIM card and cell service plan.
Imou Knight Spotlight Camera for $180: A smart design and solid feature set make this an attractive security camera for the right spot. It can record at up to 4K with HDR, has a 600-lumen spotlight around the lens, and can take microSD cards up to 256 GB (sold separately) to record locally. The app offers a wide range of features, including detection zones, cross-line alerts, and human or pet detection, though the AI sometimes gets it wrong. Sadly, the low frame rate (15 fps) too often results in blurry footage, but this came close to snagging a spot above.
Reolink Go PT Ultra for $230: If you need a wireless security camera that can connect to cellular 3G or 4G LTE networks, you could do worse than this offering from Reolink. It's a pan-and-tilt camera that can record up to 4K video on a local microSD card (sold separately), or you can subscribe for cloud storage. It has a wee spotlight and decent color night vision, and it comes with a solar panel to keep the battery topped up. The detection is reliable, but it doesn’t always categorize subjects correctly. Loading time and lag will depend on the strength of the signal. Just make sure you check carrier compatibility and get a SIM card before you buy.
Swann AllSecure650 4 Camera Kit for $420: This kit includes four wireless, battery-powered cameras and a network video recorder (NVR) that can plug into a TV or monitor via HDMI. The cameras can record up to 2K, and footage is crisp and detailed enough to zoom in on, though there is a mild fish-eye effect. The night vision is reasonably good, but the two-way audio lags and sounds distorted. I like the option to view all camera feeds simultaneously, the backup battery in the NVR makes it a cinch to swap batteries when a camera is running low, and everything is local with no need for a subscription. Unfortunately, the mobile app is poor, camera feeds sometimes take several seconds to load, and there doesn’t seem to be any 2FA. The NVR interface is also clunky to navigate with the provided mouse.
Arlo Pro 4 for $68: This camera was our top pick, and it is still an excellent buy that is widely available. Its successor, the Pro 5, has slightly better battery life and enhanced color night vision, but there isn't a huge difference. This camera provides crisp, clear footage; responds swiftly; and has an excellent detection and notification system, but you must also factor in the cost of an Arlo subscription starting from $10 per month for a single camera.
Reolink Argus 3 Pro for $70: There’s a lot to like with this security camera, not least the affordable price. It offers 2K video, local or cloud storage, two-way audio, a siren, and person recognition. The live feed loads fast, and it’s cheap to buy a solar panel accessory for power. The app is a little confusing, but Reolink recently added 2FA. I also tested the Reolink Argus PT with solar panel ($120), a solid pan-and-tilt camera with an otherwise similar feature set. Reolink cameras also support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
Eve Outdoor Cam for $220: This stylish floodlight camera must be wired in, and installation is tricky (you may want an electrician). It can replace an outdoor light to give you a motion-activated light (up to 1,500 lumens), 1080p video (157-degree field of view), and two-way audio. As a HomeKit camera, you will need an Apple HomeKit hub (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) and an iCloud+ storage plan. Sadly, the video and sound quality are average; it only works on 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi, and there’s no Android support.
Toucan Security Light Camera for $100: You can plug this camera into an outlet, and it comes with an 8-meter waterproof cable. It has a motion-activated light (1,200 lumens), records 1080p video, and supports two-way audio. I found the footage quite detailed, but it struggled with direct sunlight. You can record locally on a microSD card (sold separately) and get 24 hours of free cloud storage, but it has limitations. Plans start from $3 per month. Even with motion detection set to the lowest sensitivity, this camera triggered too often during testing, and there’s no way to filter for people, so I got frequent false positives (blowing leaves, moths, and birds all triggered alerts).
SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Security Camera for $175: A solid set of features, crisp 1080p video, and support for HDR all sound tempting, but you need a SimpliSafe security system (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and monitoring plan to make this camera worthwhile, making it too expensive for what you get. (The Arlo Pro 4 offers better-quality video and more features.) It may be a useful add-on for existing SimpliSafe customers, though.
If you already have a Ring doorbell and want to add a security camera to the backyard, it makes sense to stick with Ring to keep everything in one app. The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Battery is our pick. It records good-quality 1080p footage at a smooth 30 frames per second with optional HDR to balance mixed lighting. The 140-degree field of view was enough to take in most of my backyard and side-path entrance. It has two motion-activated LED spotlights, a siren, and above-average two-way audio. What sets it apart from the cheaper Cam Plus is support for dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4-GHz and 5-GHz), color pre-roll (showing four seconds before an event), and Bird's Eye Zones giving you an aerial view and the ability to set a perimeter for motion triggers (very handy if your camera faces a street beyond your property). The Cam Pro was very reliable, and the person filter works well (no false positives for my cat, robot lawnmower, or washing on the line).
Sadly, cloud storage for your videos and the best features, like person alerts and rich notifications, require a Ring Protect Plan ($5 per month for one camera or $10 per month for all your cameras and doorbells). The other weakness is battery life. I installed the Spotlight Cam Pro in a fairly busy spot with all the bells and whistles turned on, and the battery only lasted around three weeks. I like the quick-release design, but you will likely want to invest in a spare battery ($35) to swap in because they take a few hours to charge. While the Ring app is feature-packed, it’s not the fastest to load the live feed and can be a little confusing to navigate, though the in-app tutorials are great at explaining everything.
Unfortunately, Ring seems to be rekindling its old policy, where it allowed local law enforcement to request video footage directly from Ring customers. We stopped recommending Ring cameras when this policy was active, but the company ended this practice last year. Now that it might be coming back, I encourage you to look at alternatives instead of contributing to suburban surveillance.
Don’t Buy These Security Cameras
I didn't like every camera I tested. These are the ones to avoid.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Night Owl Solar Wi-Fi Battery Camera: Offering decent 2K video, a built-in solar panel to keep the battery topped up, and local storage on a microSD card or Night Owl hub (sold separately), this seems compelling for the price. Sadly, the app is a mess, and I ran into a weird issue immediately with account creation, where I got stuck in a loop of “Account doesn’t exist,” but it wouldn’t let me sign up with another email because my phone number had been used. I got around it with fresh details, but then the camera disconnected when I changed my router (same details) without any warning, and refused to reconnect until I reset it.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Vosker VKX: Sometimes you need a security camera in a location without Wi-Fi, so something like the Vosker VKX with 4G LTE connectivity could be handy. With a durable design, including a built-in solar panel, my first impression was good. The camera provided regular snapshots of my chosen test area at the far end of my backyard. You can schedule the camera, and it has a built-in deterrent light, but there is no subject recognition, so any motion will trigger it (you can tweak the sensitivity). The still images looked fine, but the video was choppy, with bright areas completely blown out. Sadly, you have to change modes to record video, and my video tests failed with no explanation around half the time. You cannot stream live video from this camera, and it requires an expensive plan (starting from $10 per month). The basic plan limits you to 500 alerts and just 10 downloads. You need to upgrade to Elite at $20 a month for unlimited alerts and 40 downloads. It seems like a terrible deal when any motion can trigger an alert.
Baseus N1 2K HD 2-Cam Kit: This kit from Baseus includes two security cameras and a base station with 16 GB of storage (expandable to 16 TB) for local recordings (no cloud option). The camera was easy to set up and sent alerts for most motion events, but the human detection was inaccurate, sometimes erroneously suggesting a human and sometimes ignoring actual people. The app is relatively barebones, and there is no 2FA. Although it does record up to 2K footage, the relatively low frame rate (15 fps) and lack of HDR can make for blurry, blown-out video. Tapping on notifications annoyingly does not load the video clip or the live view, making it slow to use. Baseus is new to security cameras, and it shows.
Wyze Cam Outdoor V2: This was our budget camera pick, offering 1080p with a 110-degree field of view. It comes with a base station that takes a microSD card (not included) for local video recording. If you prefer the cloud, you can pay $24 per year for unlimited video length and no cooldowns, along with other perks like person detection. The stated battery life is between three and six months, but mine needed a charge before it reached three. This camera model was not one of those affected by the security flaw that Wyze failed to fix or report to customers for three years, but repeated security breaches from Wyze, exposing thousands of camera feeds to other customers, made it hard to recommend its cameras. We are currently considering testing Wyze cameras again after the firm beefed up its security policies.
I have also tested the Wyze Cam OG and Wyze Cam OG Telephoto, an interesting pair of affordable cameras that work well together. The OG gives you a 120-degree wide view and sports a spotlight, and the OG Telephoto has a 3X optical zoom. For example, you might have the OG cover your backyard and use the Telephoto to focus on the gate area, and you can set up a picture-in-picture view in the Wyze app. Both are IP65-rated, but if you want to use an outdoor socket, you have to buy the Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter.
Noorio Spotlight Cam B210: This orb-shaped wireless security camera comes with a magnetic mount for easy positioning. The 2K video is reasonably sharp, but I found that bright sun completely blew out areas of the footage. The 16 GB of built-in storage is welcome, but I had some connection issues where the camera went offline without alerting me, and recorded clips sometimes refused to play back. I also tested the similar, cheaper B200 ($70), which maxes out at 1080p and has 8 GB of storage, and the more expensive Noorio Floodlight Cam B310 ($110), which adds a 600-lumen floodlight, but both cameras had the same connectivity issues.
Winees L1: This is an affordable outdoor security camera that comes with a solar panel, can record up to 2K video, and has 8 GB of storage onboard. There’s no need for a subscription, and it’s a pretty complete package. You even get onboard human, pet, and vehicle detection, though I found it a bit flaky. Unfortunately, this camera was often slow to start recording, so clips began with the subject halfway through the frame. The AiDot app that you use with this camera is also quite confusing, as it is designed to control a host of smart home devices.
Encalife Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera: This affordable tethered camera must be plugged into an outlet. It connects via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, offers reasonably clear 1080p footage, and has pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities. You can record locally on a microSD card (sold separately) or sign up for cloud storage, but the iCSee app is flaky and lacks 2FA, so I have concerns about how secure it is. I also tested the more expensive Encalife Smart Surveillance Camera, which adds two-way audio but relies on the same flawed app, and the Encalife 4G Security Camera, which employs the even worse CamHi Pro app.
Switchbot Outdoor Spotlight Cam: Simple to set up, this orb-shaped camera offers 1080p footage that is reasonably good quality, but it really struggles with mixed lighting, badly overexposing bright areas. There is decent night vision, a built-in spotlight, and two-way audio. You can also insert a microSD card up to 256 GB for local recording, which is just as well because the cloud subscription is far too expensive. Sadly, the busy app is flaky and sometimes drops or refuses to load the live feed. I liked the 5W solar panel option to keep the battery topped up, but you can get the same thing with better cameras than this.
Canary Flex: I love the curved lozenge design of the Canary Flex, but it is by far the most unreliable security camera I tested. It frequently missed people walking past altogether, or started recording when they had almost left the frame. Night vision and low-light video quality are poor, and the app is very slow to load.
From barf to blood, your stained mattress isn’t necessarily beyond repair. Here’s how to salvage your investment from every worst-case scenario.
Courtesy of Amazon; Getty Images
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
It’s important to know how to clean your mattress. Not just for day-to-day cleanliness and hygiene, but let’s say you’re dealing with an emergency—a “my mattress is ruined" situation where you have the frantic energy of an emergency clean-up crew. Is a trip to the dump inevitable? Not necessarily.
Before you think, “I’m so clean, this would never happen to me!” I’m telling you, it can. I've seen a lot over the course of my career as a professional mattress tester and certified sleep coach. If you plan to have your mattress for its full eight- to 10-year lifespan, you'll want to keep it as pristine as possible. I chatted with cleaning influencer and third-generation janitor Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up to see how he would approach the common situations below.
Life happens, sleep happens, and sometimes bladder control is an issue. This can be common at any age, from little kids to seniors. Or, maybe your pet had an accident. I’ve been there. Time is of the essence with this situation, to avoid a stain and—more urgently—smells from taking root. According to Pleshek, the quicker you address a fresh urine stain, the better. “Speed is gonna help,” he says. “The longer you let the urine sit, the more it’ll soak in, and the harder it’ll be to get it completely out.”
According to Pleshek, urine contains a lot of salt. It will require more heavy-duty cleaning agents to adequately get it out. The solution of choice: enzyme cleaners, like Nature's Miracle ($13). “Enzymes are your best approach right away, because those can attack the urine stain instantly,” says Pleshek.
Extracting via a Shop-Vac or portable carpet cleaner is also a great first step. “Suck as much of that out as possible so that it can’t go deeper. Enzymes help with odor.” When it comes to using enzymes, Pleshek cautions, “You have to make sure to let them sit for as long as they say on the label. Enzymes need time to work. The label’s the law, so do your best to follow it and that’ll help things clean up better.”
Now, let's say that you don't have an enzyme cleaner handy. For fresh urine, using a clean towel or paper towels, blot at the stain to pick up as much moisture as you can. Grab a spray bottle (Pleshek says in a pinch, you can just grab a spray nozzle off a bottle you have and stick it on the bottle you're using) and put together a cup of white vinegar, two cups of cold water, and a few drops of either dish soap or laundry detergent. Mix well, and then spray down the affected area. After 10 to 15 minutes, grab a fresh towel or paper towels to blot up the solution. Then sprinkle baking soda over the stain like there's no tomorrow. Once the spot is fully covered, leave it alone for eight to 10 hours—again, use your judgement based on how bad the stain is. Once Mount Baking Soda has dried up, and enough time has passed, you can vacuum it all up using a hose attachment.
One note: Be wary of over-saturating your mattress. Leaving liquid behind can cause mold and mildew within your mattress.
“Anytime you’re getting your mattress wet: vacuum, vacuum, and then when you think you’re done at vacuuming and extracting that out with a little spotter machine, do it two more times,” Pleshek says. “Always put a fan on it and get good airflow through the room.”
Looks like you have a crime scene on your hands: the crime being the mattress mess. Blood stains are a pain when it comes to removing them from any fabric, and mattresses are not exempt. Periods aren’t the only situations where blood could mysteriously appear; healing cuts, scabs, and nosebleeds are also common. The miracle cleanup go-to for bloody situations, according to Pleshek, is hydrogen peroxide.
Pleshek’s cleanup process is this: “Grab a brown bottle, get a basic spray bottle, and mist the area where the blood is. Let it sit.” It’ll have a small reaction akin to a middle school science experiment, but that’s good. Leave it alone for a good 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and severity of your stain. “What’s kind of cool and fun about cleaning up blood with hydrogen peroxide is that you will see it bubble and it vanishes really fast,” adds Pleshek. “Follow up with a damp towel and blot a bit to remove the stain.”
Time is, once again, of the essence here. “Vomit is extremely acidic,” says Pleshek. Depending on what was eaten, whether that be food or medication, it can make bile even more acidic than is typical. You need to act quickly to address the stain—and the smell. If any vomit made its way onto the mattress itself, remove any residual solids off the surface—you may want to wear gloves for this one.
Enzyme cleaner is once again going to be your go-to. However, removing the excess vomit is a crucial step—you can't just spray it on top of the mess as is and hope for the best. According to Pleshek, the enzyme cleaner isn’t going to be able to efficiently do its thing if all the excess hasn’t been adequately removed first.
I don’t think you’re going to be spilling chili all over your bed like Kevin in that scene from The Office, but I won’t discount any possibilities. First, Pleshek says to grab a spray bottle, a tablespoon of dish soap, and warm water. From there, “lightly agitate it with a toothbrush or soft material to suspend the soil.” Follow with a spotter machine.
If something has the tenacity to stick around even after that, time to bring back our friend hydrogen peroxide. “Mist [the stain] with hydrogen peroxide, and let it sit. The hydrogen peroxide should be able to pull out the color,” Pleshek says. He suggests doing this as a multistep process, because hydrogen peroxide and a degreaser don’t work well simultaneously. While this two-prong approach may take more time and evaluation as you go, it’s the recommended way to tackle the stain.
This is one of my nonnegotiables, and it’s backed by Pleshek: Get a waterproof mattress protector or encasement. It may save you a lot of heartache from big messes. These cleanup tips hopefully prove to be helpful. But from experience, you may breathe one big sigh of relief when you just have to handle bedding and not the bed itself by using one of these as a fail-safe.
Peacock Feathers Are Stunning. They Can Also Emit Laser Beams
Scientists hope their plumage project could someday lead to biocompatible lasers that could safely be embedded in the human body.
Macro photograph of water drops on a peacock feather.Photograph: James Paterson/Getty Images
Peacock feathers are greatly admired for their bright iridescent colors, but it turns out they can also emit laser light when dyed multiple times, according to a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports. Per the authors, it's the first example of a biolaser cavity within the animal kingdom.
As previously reported, the bright iridescent colors in things like peacock feathers and butterfly wings don't come from any pigment molecules but from how they are structured. The scales of chitin (a polysaccharide common to insects) in butterfly wings, for example, are arranged like roof tiles. Essentially, they form a diffraction grating, except photonic crystals only produce certain colors, or wavelengths, of light, while a diffraction grating will produce the entire spectrum, much like a prism.
In the case of peacock feathers, it's the regular, periodic nanostructures of the barbules—fiber-like components composed of ordered melanin rods coated in keratin—that produce the iridescent colors. Different colors correspond to different spacing of the barbules.
Both are naturally occurring examples of what physicists call photonic crystals. Also known as photonic bandgap materials, photonic crystals are “tunable,” which means they are precisely ordered in such a way as to block certain wavelengths of light while letting others through. Alter the structure by changing the size of the tiles, and the crystals become sensitive to a different wavelength. (In fact, the rainbow weevil can control both the size of its scales and how much chitin is used to fine-tune those colors as needed.)
Even better (from an applications standpoint), the perception of color doesn't depend on the viewing angle. And the scales are not just for aesthetics; they help shield the insect from the elements. There are several types of manmade photonic crystals, but gaining a better and more detailed understanding of how these structures grow in nature could help scientists design new materials with similar qualities, such as iridescent windows, self-cleaning surfaces for cars and buildings, or even waterproof textiles. Paper currency could incorporate encrypted iridescent patterns to foil counterfeiters.
There have been prior examples of random laser emissions in everything from stained bovine bones and blue coral skeletons to insect wings, parrot feathers, and human tissue, as well as salmon iridiphores. The authors of this most recent study were interested in whether they could produce similar laser emissions using peacock feathers and hopefully identify the specific mechanism.
It wasn't difficult to get the peacock feathers, given how popular they are for decorative and arts and crafts purposes, but the authors did make sure none of the feathers used in their experiments contained impurities (like dyes). They cut away any excess lengths of barbs and mounted the feathers on an absorptive substrate. They then infused the feathers with common dyes by pipetting the dye solution directly onto them and letting them dry. The feathers were stained multiple times in some cases. Then they pumped the samples with pulses of light and measured any resulting emissions.
The team observed laser emissions in two distinct wavelengths for all color regions of the feathers' eyespots, with the green color regions emitting the most intense laser light. However, they did not observe any laser emission from feathers that were only stained once, just in sample feathers that underwent multiple wetting and complete drying cycles. This is likely due to the better diffusion of both dye and solvent into the barbules, as well as a possible loosening of the fibrils in the keratin sheath.
The authors were unable to identify the precise microstructures responsible for the lasing; it does not appear to be due to the keratin-coated melatonin rods. Coauthor Nathan Dawson of Florida Polytechnic University suggested to Science that protein granules or similar small structures inside the feathers might function as a laser cavity. He and his colleague think that one day, their work could lead to the development of biocompatible lasers that could safely be embedded in the human body for sensing, imaging, and therapeutic purposes.
Cameras can offer peace of mind, but choose carefully before inviting one into your home.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
You don't have to deck your house with window, door, and motion sensors and hire an on-call monitoring service to stay safe. The best indoor security cameras can keep your home secure without difficult or pricey installations. Knowing you can check in when you are away from home offers peace of mind, but these cameras aren’t perfect. There’s an obvious security benefit, but you need to weigh the privacy risks. After years of rigorous testing, the affordable TP-Link Tapo C120 is my top pick for most people, but there are many alternatives among my favorite security cameras below. I've also got details on what to look for when shopping for one.
Updated August 2025: We've added an Imilab camera, a TP-Link camera to our honorable mentions, and more helpful content.
What to Know Before Buying a Security Camera
Security cameras are great tools, but you also need to protect your security from these cameras. You don't want to find out that a stranger has been watching you sit in your bathrobe bingeing trash TV for the third day in a row, or worse. If you follow these tips, you can be a vigilant and conscious consumer and still feel like your home is protected while you're away.
Avoid no-name cameras: If you type "security camera" into Amazon’s search bar, you’ll come up with hundreds of cheap options from brands you’ve never heard of. I don’t feel comfortable recommending them. You should always go with brands that clearly outline their privacy policies and make it easy to set up security protocols. That doesn't mean they can't be hacked—Wyze, Nest, Eufy, and Ring have all had breaches—but you probably won't be hung out to dry by a brand intent on protecting its reputation. Somewhat counterintuitively, it may be better to pick a brand that has had issues, because the increased scrutiny typically encourages them to improve their security practices. (This also depends on how they have responded to previous security breaches.)
Use a strong password and set up two-factor authentication: Setting a strong password you don't use for anything else is extremely important. You should also change the password for your Wi-Fi network from its default if you haven't already. Set up two-factor authentication as soon as you create an account with the camera brand you've bought. It will make it harder for a hacker to gain access to your device, even if they do figure out your password.
Keep it updated: Make sure you're frequently checking for software updates (for your camera and router) that can patch any security issues that may have come up. Set your camera to auto-update if possible.
Turn it off: When you're home, or at least when you're doing something personal you wouldn't want someone to see, turn the camera off. Some cameras have a physical shutter that you can close or a sleep mode that obscures the lens. You could also turn the camera around for good measure.
What Features to Look for in an Indoor Security Cameras?
Here are some of the main things to think about when you shop for an indoor security camera.
Video quality: Going for the highest-resolution video isn't always the best idea. While 4K video definitely picks up more detail, it also requires more bandwidth to stream and more storage space to record than 1080p or 2K resolution. Folks with limited Wi-Fi bandwidth must be cautious. A wide field of view is good, so the camera takes in more, but can cause a curved fish-eye effect at the corners, which some cameras are better than others at correcting. If your camera is facing a mixed lighting location with some shadow and direct sunlight (or a streetlight), look for HDR (high dynamic range) or WDR (wide dynamic range) support, as it can prevent bright areas from blowing out or loss of detail in the shadows. Frame rate is also worth thinking about, as a low frame rate can cause artifacts and blurring with moving subjects, especially in low light. Drop below 20 frames per second and you can expect blurring and jerkiness.
Connectivity: Most security cameras connect to your Wi-Fi router on the 2.4-GHz band. Depending on where you install, you may appreciate support for the faster 5-GHz band, but it is shorter range. Some systems come with a hub that can act as a Wi-Fi range extender. Bear in mind that you should never install a security camera in a location without a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Subscription model: Most security camera manufacturers offer a subscription service that provides cloud storage for video recording. It isn’t always as optional as it seems. Some manufacturers bundle in smart features such as person detection or activity zones, making a subscription essential to get the best from its cameras. Always factor in the subscription cost, and make sure you are clear on what is included before you buy.
Local or cloud storage: If you don't want a subscription service, make sure your chosen camera offers local storage. Some security cameras have microSD card slots, while others record video to a hub device inside your home. A few manufacturers offer limited cloud storage for free, but you can usually expect to pay somewhere around $3 to $10 per month for 30 days of storage for a single camera. For multiple cameras, a longer recording period, or continuous recording, you are looking at paying between $10 and $20 per month. There are usually discounts if you pay annually.
Placement is important: A visible security camera can be a powerful deterrent. You don't want to hide your cameras away. Also, make sure the view isn't peering into a neighbor's window or pointing into your bathroom. Most cameras offer customizable zones to filter out recording or motion detection for areas of the camera's frame.
False positives: Unless you want your phone to ping every time your cat wanders into the frame, consider a security camera that can detect people and filter alerts. Good cameras also enable you to set privacy or activity zones.
Night vision and spotlights: Security cameras generally have infrared night vision, but low-light performance varies wildly. You always lose some detail when light levels are low. Most night vision modes produce monochrome footage. Some manufacturers offer color night vision, though it is often colorized by software and can look odd. We prefer spotlights, as they allow the camera to capture better-quality footage, and the light acts as a further deterrent to any intruder. But they aren’t suitable for every situation.
Camera theft: Concerned about camera theft? Choose a camera that doesn’t have onboard storage. Some manufacturers have replacement policies for camera theft, especially if you have a subscription, but they usually require you to file a police report and have exclusions. Check the policy thoroughly before you buy.
Can You Use a Phone as a Security Camera?
You don't need to spend money on a new security camera—an old smartphone will do as long as it can still connect to Wi-Fi. Just download a camera app (we like Alfred) to both your old phone and your new phone, then sign in with the same email address. Find a spot to mount your device and keep it charged, and you'll be able to view the camera feed through your current phone.
The field of view won't be as wide, the battery won't last as long, and the mount will probably be a lot less secure. Still, if you're going on a weekend vacation, it's a quick and easy way to set up something essentially for free. Alfred is available for iOS and Android. It offers motion detection and can set off an alarm when it sees someone.
How We Test Security Cameras
I test every security camera for at least two weeks, but often far longer. I run through the installation process and note any issues. I check that alerts come through correctly to my phone when I am home, connected to Wi-Fi, or away connected to a cellular network. I usually place two or more cameras in the same spot to compare picture quality, motion detection, and other features. I consider the image resolution, frame rate, and audio quality of videos and the live feed. I also check for lag with the live feed. I test the performance during the day, see how it copes with the sun facing the lens, and how it performs in the dark at night (testing both spotlight and night vision). I check how long the live feed and recorded videos take to load at different times of the day.
I play around with the settings in the app to try every mode and feature. I test any smart detection features to see if they can correctly identify people. I test the two-way audio for a short conversation and try the siren where applicable. I also test local storage and cloud storage options for recording videos. If there are any smart home integrations, I set them up and check how quickly the feed loads on a smart display. I always ensure the cameras we recommend support 2FA and test any additional security or privacy features.
The C120 can stream and record video at up to 2K resolution, supports two-way audio (with a slight lag), and has a slot for up to 512-GB microSD cards to keep recordings local. This affordable security camera has a starlight sensor that offers impressive color night vision, smart detection (people, pets, and vehicles) without a subscription, and an IP66 rating, which means you can also use it outdoors (provided you can run the power cable). The handy base is easy to wall-mount, can sit on a shelf, and is magnetic. There is no need to spend more than this to keep an eye on an entrance or a specific room in your home.
Motion detection is reliable, and you can tweak the sensitivity and customize the notifications you receive. The video is crisp, but the frame rate maxes at 20 fps, so fast-moving subjects sometimes appear blurry. You can set activity and privacy zones in the Tapo app, and there’s AI detection to recognize people, pets, vehicles, and the sound of a baby crying. Sadly, rich notifications, including a snapshot, are bundled with the optional Tapo Care subscription, along with 30 days of cloud storage for clips, and it’s expensive at $3.50 per month for a single camera or $12 per month for up to 10 cameras. There is no HomeKit or IFTTT support, but it works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, though it was a little slow to load the stream on my Nest Hub. This camera also supports the open Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP).
If your budget is tight, the Tapo C110 ($16) is cheaper with only a few compromises (lower frame rate, no pet or vehicle detection, microSD limited to 256 GB).
Specs
Max Resolution: Up to 2K, 20 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 512 GB) or cloud
With its compact design, clear video, and two-way audio, this Arlo camera matches our top pick in features and performs reliably well. It can be placed on a shelf or wall-mounted, features a privacy shutter that lowers when the camera is not in use, and stores video in the cloud. The footage is detailed, and there’s no blurring on motion (the frame rate is 24 fps). Arlo’s second-generation Essential Indoor cameras are available in two varieties: a 1080p model and a pricier 2K model. I’m a fan of the app for its ease of use, loading speeds, and two-factor authentication, enabling you to log in to the live feed with your fingerprint or face scan (phone permitting). There’s also a built-in siren and smart home integration for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, but not Apple HomeKit.
Unfortunately, cloud storage, accurate subject detection, and smart animated alerts require an expensive Arlo Secure subscription at $10 per month ($96/year) for a single camera. It’s a bit more palatable if you have multiple Arlo devices, as it costs $20 per month ($216/year) for unlimited cameras. For folks with video doorbells or other cameras from Arlo, this camera is an obvious pick to keep things in a single app. But the lack of local storage might be a turnoff, and there are occasionally a few seconds of lag on the live feed.
With an understated style, Google’s indoor Nest Cam comes in a few elegant finishes (including one with a maple wood base) to help it blend in with your decor. It has HDR, the 1080p video quality is clear at 30 fps, and night vision kicks on automatically when the lights are out. There’s also two-way audio, enforced two-factor authentication, and accurate detection to alert you about people, animals, or vehicles. You can install and use the Nest Cam through the Google Home app, and it’s quick to load on Nest displays or a Chromecast with Google TV. (It's even now accessible via a web interface.)
You only get three hours of history unless you sign up for a Nest Aware subscription, which now costs $10 per month ($100/year) for 30 days of event video history and familiar face alerts, but that covers all your Nest devices. (You can also use the camera in a Nest Hub Max as an indoor security camera.) Once you have tagged familiar faces, your notifications include their names, which is handy (and can be reassuring). It’s good to know when your kids get home versus when an unfamiliar face pops up. It’s not 100 percent accurate, but it’s closer than any other camera I have tested. Sadly, there’s no local storage option, and the thing that sets it apart (familiar faces) requires a relatively expensive subscription. It also lacks a privacy shutter. Try not to buy it at full price, as it's frequently on sale.
With a compelling range of features, including video at up to 2K and 30 frames per second, 360 degrees of pan and 149 degrees of tilt, and local storage on a microSD card (up to 512 GB), this camera unseats the Wyze Cam Pan V3 as my favorite panning camera. The live feed is consistently quick to load, and image quality is excellent if you select the higher resolution and frame rate and toggle on HDR in the app. You can also set waypoints for the camera to patrol through on your chosen schedule, and the automatic subject tracking is top-notch. The onboard AI can categorize by motion, person, pet, or vehicle, and you can set an alert when a line is crossed. The two-way audio is relatively clear and lag-free, and there’s sound detection too (baby, pet, or glass breaking). There’s also a large image sensor (TP-Link calls it the Starlight Sensor) for clear image capture in low light. The privacy mode prompts the camera lens to rotate inside, so you know you aren’t being recorded.
On the downside, it's a little bulky, and a Tapo Care subscription (starting from $3.50 a month or $35 a year for one camera) is required for cloud storage, rich notifications with snapshots in them, and easy video filtering. Everything else is available without a subscription, making this an excellent local recording option, but it’s a real shame that the rich notifications are behind the paywall. This camera is usually cheaper on Amazon under the model name C225, but it also appears as TC73 sometimes.
Specs
Max Resolution: Up to 2K, 30 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 512 GB) or cloud
Audio: Two-way audio, Siren
Smart Home: Apple HomeKit Secure Video, Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Cute ears are amazingly effective at adding personality to a device. This pan and tilt security camera doubles as a smart home hub. It boasts wide compatibility, including Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. It also acts as a Zigbee 3.0 hub, offering a way to bring all kinds of Aqara sensors and accessories into your smart home fold, and it even has an IR controller. A door or window sensor can trigger the camera to turn on and start recording.
As a camera, you can expect crisp 2K footage (HomeKit is limited to 1080p). The camera has a 110-degree field of view. It rotates through 340 degrees, tilts up 30 degrees, and down 15 degrees to cover a large area. Sadly, recording at 20 fps means fast movement can cause blurring. Onboard AI enables person, pet, face, and gesture detection, a cruise mode has the camera cycle through positions, and it can track subjects (though it is a little slow to do so sometimes). Insert a microSD card (up to 128 GB) for local recordings. The sleep mode has the camera lens roll up and shows a pair of closed eyes. It’s a shame you can only connect Aqara accessories and must dig into the Aqara app to access certain features (including pan and tilt). But if you’re into automation, you will enjoy tinkering with this highly customizable security camera.
Specs
Max Resolution: Up to 2K, 20 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 128 GB) or cloud
Audio: Two-way audio
Smart Home: Apple HomeKit Secure Video, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
This feature-packed camera from Eufy is likely overkill for most folks, but it’s an impressively versatile device. It combines a regular camera with a 130-degree field of view that can go up to 4K with a 2K telephoto lens that provides 3X optical zoom. It also has 360-degree pan and 75-degree tilt controls, AI tracking that works well, and support for up to four preset positions it can patrol through, including the default it returns to after tracking a subject out of frame. There’s also privacy mode, two-way audio, and onboard AI to detect people, pets, and sounds. You can record locally with a microSD card up to 128 GB (not included), hook it up to a HomeBase 3 (sold separately), or subscribe for cloud storage from $4 per month.
The footage is crisp and detailed enough to zoom in on, though bright areas like sun streaming in a window can appear blown out. Because the frame rate is 15, sometimes fast-moving subjects appear blurry. The motion detection is reliable, and you can set up privacy zones in the app. Notifications are swift and come with a thumbnail if you don’t mind uploading to the cloud (it is optional). I sometimes noticed a slight lag on the live feed, and the sound quality could be better. There is no HomeKit support, but you get Alexa and Google Assistant, though the camera was very slow and sometimes failed to load for me via Google.
Note: After a security researcher identified cloud uploads from a “local” only device and a report warned of video streaming without encryption following a bug in May 2021 that exposed some camera feeds to other Eufy users, we stopped recommending the brand. After initial denials, parent company Anker acknowledged and fixed the issues, overhauled its policies, and instituted a bug bounty program. We spoke with third-party security researcher Ralph Echemendia, who was hired to conduct an audit, and decided to start testing Eufy cameras again.
Specs
Max Resolution: Up to 4K + 2K, 15 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 128 GB), HomeBase S380, or cloud
You don’t have to spend a lot to get a dual-lens camera, and the Imilab C30 Dual proves it. Combining two 3K-resolution lenses, one fixed and one that can pan 360 degrees, tilt 60 degrees, and zoom in 6x, this camera can fully cover any room. It has a USB-C port, a lengthy USB-C to USB-A cable, and an adjustable mount. It connects to the Xiaomi Home app, which can be a little confusing but offers many features and is generally quick to load the live feed. The onboard AI can recognize people or pets, warn you about fire or smoke, and detect various sounds, such as a baby crying. There’s also support for Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
The footage is crisp and clear and stays in color in low light, only switching to infrared when it’s completely dark. The AI detection seems pretty accurate, and the two-way audio works well. You can turn on automatic people tracking in the app, so the camera’s pan/tilt lens follows subjects, but it can be a little flaky. You can record locally on a microSD card, and the smart features don’t require any monthly fees, but there is a cloud storage option starting from $5 a month. The C30 Dual has a great range of features for checking in on your kids or pets throughout the day, and it also appears in our Best Pet Cameras guide.
Specs
Max Resolution: Up to 3K + 3K, 20 fps
Recording: Local microSD card (up to 256 GB) or cloud
Folks with Philips Hue smart lights will find the company’s security camera intriguing. The Philips Hue Secure is a wired security camera with an optional weighted base. It feels solid and durable (it has an IP65 rating). Video maxes out at 1080p but is crisp and deals with mixed lighting and moving subjects well. It offers a wide 140-degree field of view. Night vision is decent, there’s two-way audio, and it’s quick to send alerts or load the live feed in the Hue app. But if you want more than that, you need to subscribe for $4 per month ($40/year) for a single camera, which gives you 30 days of cloud storage and unlocks smart detection features.
The person and animal detection works well, helping to filter out false positives, and you can also set multiple activity and privacy zones. There’s vehicle and package detection, too, for outdoor use. There’s no local storage, but footage is end-to-end encrypted, so only you can access it. If you have a Hue bridge and lights, you can have the camera trigger them. I set it up in my office to turn the lights on and off automatically, with different brightness and color settings for different times of day. When you arm the system, it gives you a countdown, and when you get an alert, you can review and trigger flashing lights and a siren to try and scare away intruders, though the siren tops out at 80 decibels. While there are better cameras for this money, the impressively slick integration with the Hue ecosystem is the attraction. Trust is crucial with a camera inside your home, so it’s an easier sell for Hue fans.
The Blink Mini 2 brings a few crucial improvements over its predecessor that earn it a recommendation here: better image quality with a wider field of view (up from 110 to 143 degrees), enhanced low-light performance (with an optional spotlight), and on-device person detection (fewer false positives). Amazon’s Blink makes some of the most compact security cameras available, and this rounded square comes with a circular base for easy mounting, or it can sit unobtrusively on a shelf. The footage is 1080p at up to 30 fps, and I found it clear, even in low light. You can also set activity and privacy zones, and the two-way audio is passable, though the sound quality isn’t great. I also appreciate the option to log in to the app with biometrics (phone permitting).
The catch is that you really need the subscription at $3 per month or $30 per year for a single camera, or $10 a month or $100 a year for unlimited cameras. You can technically record locally if you purchase a Sync Module 2 ($50) and insert a USB flash drive, but without a subscription, your live feed is limited to five minutes with no record option, videos are much slower to load, you don’t get person detection, and you can’t share clips. If you subscribe, you get all that and a generous 60-day unlimited cloud video history (30-day in the UK and Europe).
Many security cameras support local storage, enabling you to record videos on the camera or a linked hub. A few hubs have built-in storage, and some provide slots for hard drives, but most rely on microSD cards. Here are some details on what to look for (and a few recommendations).
The microSD card you choose should have fast read and write speeds so that you can record high-quality video and play it back without delay. We recommend going for Class 10 microSD cards rated as U1 or U3. You can dive deeper into what that means in our SD card explainer. Before buying, check the card type, format, and maximum supported card size for your security camera. Consider how many hours of video each card capacity can store. For example, you might get a couple of days of HD video on a 32-GB card. If you want to record continuously, you likely want a higher-capacity card.
I recommend formatting the card as soon as you insert it into the camera. You will usually be prompted to do this, but if not, there is generally an option in the settings. Just remember, formatting will wipe anything on the microSD card, so back up the contents first.
Some security camera manufacturers offer their own branded microSD cards. They work just fine in my experience, but for maximum reliability, here are my favorites. Always remember to check the specs. Even different sizes of cards in the same range often have different capabilities.
There are a lot of security cameras out there. Here are others I tried that didn't earn a top spot.
Photograph: Simon Hill
TP-Link Tapo HybridCam 360 C216 for $35: With a cute design that can sit on a table or shelf or be mounted the other way up, this camera has an IP65 rating, so it can also work outdoors, though it needs to be plugged in via the 6.6-foot USB-C cable. The video is sharp at up to 2K and 30 fps, and the C216 allows 360-degree pan and 152-degree tilt. It can track subjects and patrol, and there’s local video storage via microSD card. People detection is good, and it can recognize a baby crying (my cat can also trigger this). An excellent pan/tilt camera at a very competitive price, the only thing keeping this from a recommendation above is TP-Link’s slightly superior C225, but if your budget is limited and the C225 isn’t on sale, this is a great second choice.
Lorex 2K Dual-Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Camera
Photograph: Simon Hill
Lorex 2K Dual-Lens Indoor Pan-Tilt Camera for $100: There’s a lot to like about this dual-lens camera, with one fixed-view camera and a pan-and-tilt lens on top to track subjects and cover a 360-degree area. It offers crisp 2K video with HDR, smart motion detection for people and pets, and local storage on a microSD card up to 256 GB (32 GB included). There’s also two-way audio with a call button on the camera, capable of calling the app on your phone. The tracking was sometimes a bit ropey, and tapping through on notifications did not always load the clip, but it mostly worked well. Lorex was owned by Dahua (banned by the US government) until a Taiwanese firm, Skywatch, reportedly bought it in 2023.
Eufy Indoor Cam E220 for $55: This is a solid alternative to TP-Link’s Tapo Pan Camera above. Eufy’s E220 also offers up to 2K footage with a 125-degree field of view but pans to cover 360 degrees horizontally and tilts through 95 degrees vertically. It has person and pet detection, can automatically track movement, offers local or cloud storage, and supports Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The weakness is the limited frame rate (15 fps), which can result in choppy footage.
Ezviz C6 for $100: A cute design, crisp and clear video, and onboard AI and storage make this a compelling prospect. I like that the 2FA allows fingerprint unlock, it has a privacy mode, and it gives you the option to have gestures trigger a call. But the C6 struggled in mixed lighting, repeatedly identified my cat as a human intruder, and needs to be positioned low for the best view. I also tested the Ezviz C6N ($30), which had problems with subjects appearing blurry, and the Ezviz CP1 Pro (£30) and Ezviz SD7 (£130), which seem to be available only in the UK. The SD7 is a 7-inch portable screen with a battery inside that offers a dedicated view of your Ezviz cameras (up to 30), allowing you to play back video and control them where applicable, but that’s all it does, so I am slightly puzzled about why you would buy it over a smart display that can also do other stuff.
Imilab C22 for $30: This is a decent pan (360 degrees) and tilt (115 degrees) camera that offers crisp 3K video, though I found it struggled with mixed lighting and tended to blow out bright areas, even with WDR turned on. You can insert a microSD card (up to 256 GB) for local storage or subscribe to cloud storage. It can track subjects but doesn’t return to the starting position when they walk out of frame. Things also get blurry when the camera moves, and it can be slow and jerky when attempting to track fast-moving subjects. It works with the Xiaomi Home app, so it's more attractive if you already have a Xiaomi phone or other gadgets from the Chinese brand.
Psync Camera Genie S for $40: Easily the most interesting security camera I have tested, the unusual Psync Camera Genie S has a funky, blocky design that folds open to reveal a 2K camera and four LED lights. It records in a vertical format like TikTok, can pan 350 degrees and tilt 135 degrees, and has smart motion tracking. It supports two-way audio and has 32 or 64 GB of storage inside. In keeping with the AI trend, it is GPT-enabled, so if you spring for a ViewSay subscription ($1/month during Beta, then $7/month), it uploads frames of each video to a secure server and uses a visual language model to describe them for your notifications. This can have unintentionally hilarious results. Instead of getting a generic alert, it might say, “A man is opening a door, and a cat is behind him,” or, “A person is standing in a dark room, holding a baby, and looking at the camera.” Those are both real notifications I got, though the latter was actually my daughter holding a cat toy. ViewSay can also label objects in the room, but for most folks, it seems like a pointless gimmick, and it definitely needs to work on the accuracy to make it useful. The feed is quick to load, but I found the footage a bit blurry in low light (the maximum frame rate is 20), and the vertical orientation limits your field of view.
Wiz Indoor Security Camera for $49: As a 1080p camera with a relatively narrow 120-degree field of view, the debut Wiz security camera is a hard sell. Parent company Signify owns Philips Hue, but Wiz is cheaper, and if you own any of its smart lights, you can use the camera to trigger them. It also works with the company’s SpaceSense technology to use Wi-Fi and your Wiz lights to detect motion. It supports two-way audio, sound detection, and night vision. You can insert a microSD card for local recording, but you need a subscription ($4/month) for activity zones, cloud storage, and manual recording. There is a privacy mode, but it lacks a shutter. It’s a reliable camera, but only worth considering for folks with Wiz lights. It comes with a USB cable, but no power adapter.
TP-Link Tapo C210 for $25: If you want the ability to pan around the room, TP-Link’s Tapo C210 is another affordable indoor security camera with versatility. Like its sibling, our budget pick above, this camera supports up to 2K video, two-way audio, and local recordings via microSD cards up to 256 GB. But it has the same disappointing frame rate (15 frames per second), which can result in jerky video clips, which is more of a problem with a panning camera. There’s also some lag on the two-way audio, and the camera does not return to its starting position after tracking a subject, which can leave it facing the wrong way.
Eve Cam for $100: This is a solid HomeKit security camera for Apple households. The footage is of reasonably good quality, the night vision works well, motion alerts are reliable, and it can generally distinguish pets from people. The magnetic base is quite handy, and it is easy to automate this camera through Apple’s Home app so that it turns on when you leave the house or triggers lights when it senses motion. But it is relatively expensive, and it only works with Apple devices. An iCloud storage plan (starting from $1 per month for one camera) and a HomePod or Apple TV to act as a HomeKit hub are essential.
Panasonic Home Hawk
Photograph: Panasonic
Panasonic Home Hawk Window for $130: This camera sticks to the inside of a window, so you can keep an eye on the outside of your house without mounting anything—a huge plus if you're renting. The image quality is surprisingly clear, it has a decent 150-degree wide-angle view, and you can set detection to just people to avoid notifications for every car that drives past or bird that pops up. But, it's pricey, there's no 2FA, and there's no cloud storage, so you'll need a microSD card to view anything outside of a livestream.
Blink Mini for $30: Compact, versatile, and cheap, the Blink Mini offers good-quality video, two-way audio, accurate motion detection, activity zones, and integration with Alexa. The 1080p footage is clear, even in low light, but bright areas can appear blown out. There is two-way audio, but it often lags and distorts. If you don’t want a subscription (from $3 per month), you can add a Sync Module 2 ($50) and record to a USB flash drive (sold separately). It worked reliably in my testing, but it detects any motion (it can’t distinguish between pets and people). You can also get the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera for $40, which is a regular Blink Mini camera with a pan-and-tilt mount, so you can pan through 360 degrees and tilt through 135 degrees.
Ezviz C1C for $27andC6CN for $60: Ezviz's cameras are as affordable as Wyze's. The app has a really nice grid view, so you can easily watch a live feed of all your cameras, but there's a small delay when detecting motion—I set up the C6CN panning camera in my living room, and it didn't start recording until I made it from the door to the other side of the room. It always detected motion accurately, but the delay might be an issue if you're dealing with an intruder.
TP-Link Kasa Spot for $23: I tried the Spot and the Spot Pan Tilt ($30), and both are impressive and inexpensive offerings from TP-Link. They have a wide field of view and decent motion detection that alerts you instantly. These cameras lacked two-factor authentication when I tested them, but the company has since added the feature to the Kasa app.
If you're already in the Ring or Amazon Alexa ecosystem, you might be eyeing the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen). It records crisp 1080p footage at 24 frames per second, has optional color night vision, and has a privacy shutter you can swivel around when you don’t want it recording. You can get motion alerts, pre-roll captures a few seconds before each event, two-way audio is decent, and the Ring Indoor Cam has a built-in siren.
The Ring app is feature-packed but can be slow to load the live feed and somewhat confusing to navigate, though there are good in-app tutorials. Unfortunately, cloud storage for your videos and the best features, like person alerts and rich notifications, require a Ring Protect Plan ($5 per month for one camera or $10 per month for all your cameras and doorbells). I don’t recommend this camera without the plan, as you are limited to the live feed, motion alerts, and two-way audio. The perfect spot is vital for this camera because it has a relatively limited 115-degree horizontal and 59-degree vertical field of view, and there is no HDR, so bright areas can blow out.
But the biggest reason why this camera isn't a top pick? Ring is reintroducing a policy that would allow local law enforcement to request footage directly from Ring users. We stopped recommending Ring a few years ago due to this policy (among other reasons), but we began testing and recommending Ring hardware after it changed its tune. Now that it seems like it's reverting to its original roots, we have a hard time recommending Ring again.
Don't Buy These
Wyze Cam Pan V3
Photograph: Wyze
I didn't like every camera I tested. These are the ones to avoid.
Wyze Cam Pan V3: This was our pick for the best panning camera because it can spin 360 degrees and tilt 180 degrees to take in a whole room. I also like the option to set waypoints in the app to have it cycle through, the privacy mode, the automatic motion tracking, and the ability to record locally on a microSD card (up to 256 GB). But after repeated security breaches from Wyze, most recently exposing thousands of camera feeds to other customers, it became impossible to recommend its cameras for use inside your home. We are currently considering testing Wyze cameras again after the firm beefed up its security policies.
Chamberlain myQ Smart Indoor Security Camera: While we love the MyQ Garage Opener, the firm’s foray into security cameras was not as successful. We had issues getting the camera up and running, the MyQ app was slow and buggy, and a subscription starting from $4 per month is required if you want to record video (there’s no local option). The 1080p resolution is OK, but the night vision is weak, and there are several better options above.
Nooie 360 Cam 2: We liked the original Nooie 360 Cam. This version sports a similar design, allowing for almost 360-degree rotation and 94-degree tilt, and bumps the video resolution up to 2K. It takes microSD cards (up to 128 GB), and cloud plans start from $1 per month for 7-day event recording. Unfortunately, alerts are not reliable (sometimes they didn’t come through to my phone). The Nooie app is buggy, and it often takes a frustratingly long time to load the video feed. Any motion triggers a recording (there’s no person or pet detection), and you can set the camera to track a subject or pan and tilt manually, but annoyingly, it doesn’t return to a default position. There is 2FA, but it’s optional.
SwitchBot Indoor Camera and Pan/Tilt Cam: These cameras are affordable and offer clear video, but both struggled with exposure in mixed lighting. The app is a little flaky and crashed on me when I tried to play back video from an inserted microSD card, and there’s no 2FA. If you enable motion tracking, the pan cam also has the unfortunate habit of staying in the last position it tracked movement.
Wyze Cam V3: While it offers good-quality video and works well on the whole, a price rise and limitations on the free service make this far less of a bargain than it used to be. It does boast local or cloud recordings, 2FA, and a choice of smart-home integrations. But this is one of the cameras that had a major security flaw that Wyze failed to fix for several years.
Simon Hill is a senior writer for WIRED and has been testing and writing about technology for more than 15 years. You can find his previous work at Business Insider, Reviewed, TechRadar, Android Authority, USA Today, Digital Trends, and many other places. He loves all things tech, but especially smartphones ... Read More
These weatherproof outdoor security cams keep a watchful eye on your property while you get on with life. Our list includes battery-powered and LTE devices and cameras that need no subscription.
Shopping for a phone can be an ordeal. That’s why we’ve tested almost every Android phone, from the smartest to the cheapest—even phones that fold—to find those worth your money.
KPop Demon Hunters, Happy Gilmore 2, and The Old Guard 2 are just a few of the movies you should watch on Netflix this month.
Still from Happy Gilmore 2.Photograph: Scott Yamano/Everett Collection
Netflix has plenty of movies to watch. Maybe too many. Sometimes finding the right film at the right time can seem like an impossible task. Let us help you. Below is a list of some of our favorites currently on the streaming service—from dramas to comedies to thrillers.
Thirty years after graduating from ice hockey washout to golfing glory, Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) is down on his luck again. After his wife died in a freak golf accident, he’s now a single dad of five, struggling to send his talented dancer daughter to a ballet school in Paris. His only hope to scrape together the money he needs is to get back into the game. The only thing standing in his way are old rivals and a nefarious CEO trying to revamp the entire sport for the worst. Despite being packed with nods to the original film, in both returning cast members and general tone—expect peak ’90s Sandler crassness in places—Happy Gilmore 2 is a raucously funny sports comedy that sees Sandler playing well above par again.
It’s been a long five years since the original The Old Guard dropped on Netflix, adapting the graphic novels by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández into a budding franchise. Centered on a roving gang of immortals fronted by Charlize Theron as Andromache of Scythia—Andy to her friends—this long-gestating sequel expands on the lore, throwing her modern-day allies into a centuries-old grudge match against old flame Quỳnh (Veronica Ngô). Meanwhile the newest immortal Nile (KiKi Layne) comes face-to-face with the very first, Discord (Uma Thurman, absolutely vamping it in a villainous role and seemingly loving it). The Old Guard 2 sadly doesn’t reach the same exhilarating heights as the first film—at its worst, it’s choppily edited and lacks focus—but it’s an entertaining outing that further cements Theron as an action megastar.
When workaholic game developer Tim (Matthias Schweighöfer, Army of the Dead) and his partner Liv (Ruby O. Fee) break up, Liv finds it hard to walk away. Quite literally, as their apartment block has been mysteriously surrounded by an impenetrable wall. Left with no choice but to smash through walls and ceilings to find a way out, teaming with other residents trapped inside as they do, the group desperately searches for an escape route—but the strange barrier and the building itself seems set on stopping them. Reminiscent at times of cult classic Cube, this German-language sci-fi thriller (there's an English language dub, but it's truly terrible—stick with subtitles) is schlocky but satisfying entertainment.
Twenty years after their last feature-length outing, not-so-intrepid inventor Wallace and his long-suffering canine companion Gromit are back. When criminal penguin Feathers McGraw—last seen in the classic The Wrong Trousers—learns of Wallace's easily-hackable robotic garden gnome Norbot, the nefarious villain hatches a plan for revenge, one that tears the heroes' friendship apart and leads to the greatest chase scene tranquil Yorkshire has ever seen. Irrepressibly charming and relentlessly daft, this stop-motion-animated comedy from the geniuses at Aardman—the studio behind Chicken Run—is a pure delight.
Three-part harmony group Huntr/x are at the top of their game. Not only are they the world's best-loved girl group, but in their secret side role as Earth's defenders against demonic forces, they're about to permanently seal away an ancient evil. Unfortunately, lead singer Rumi (Arden Cho) is hiding something from bandmates Mira (May Hong) and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), and her dark secret may tear them apart right as they face their strongest foes—an evil boyband fronted by the devilishly handsome Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop). Blending the pastel-pop of Jem and the Holograms, the monster-slaying action of Buffy, and enough K-pop earworms to make Blackpink blink, Kpop Demon Hunters is a perfect summer movie for kids and families, a brilliantly animated adventure that's as fresh and memorable as its energetic musical numbers.
Written by and starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, Always Be My Maybe tells the story of two inseparable childhood friends whose lives veer dramatically apart after a grief-stricken rendezvous in their teenage years. Wong plays Sasha Tran, a superstar chef whose stratospheric career barely papers over the cracks in her faltering relationship. Park, meanwhile, plays Marcus Kim, whose ambitions have taken him no further than the local dive bar and his father's air conditioning firm. Fate—and a bizarre cameo from Keanu Reeves—conspire to bring the two leads back together in a film that at long last lifts Asian Americans outside of Hollywood's clichéd casting and into a thoughtful and hilarious romantic comedy.
In 1966, husband and wife physicists Nora (Lucero) and Héctor (Benny Ibarra) are equal partners at the University of Mexico, even though their colleagues see Nora as little more than Héctor's lab assistant. Then they crack the secret of time travel, catapulting themselves forward to 2025—and strand themselves here. While both marvel at the leaps humanity has made in half a century, Nora is delighted to be reunited with her former protégé Julia (Ofelia Medina), now dean of the university. But as Héctor finds himself desperate to return to the comfort and prestige he enjoyed in the past, the pair's relationship begins to fall apart. More rom-com than sci-fi, this is time-travel with a bittersweet touch.
When Tess (Georgina Campbell) finds her Airbnb in a sketchy neighborhood double-booked with Keith (Bill Skarsgård), you will probably think you know where Barbarian is headed. You don't—and you should brace yourself for everything that follows. Written and directed by Zach Cregger (in a seismic departure from his comedy background), Barbarian constantly shifts, playing with—and regularly subverting—viewer expectations of horror movie clichés at every turn. Smartly written, brilliantly shot, and psychologically disturbing on multiple levels, Barbarian is a genuinely terrifying entry in the modern horror canon.
Dr. Nan-young Joo is desperate to follow in her late astronaut mother's footsteps and make it all the way to Mars. Jay is a slacker part-timer, loosely aspiring to be a musician. In this Korean animated movie from director Han Ji-won, they become a pair of literally star-crossed lovers, linked by a love of music. While the sci-fi aspect of it all makes for some spectacular visuals, from the futuristic-but-plausible view of Seoul in 2051, to truly cosmic, almost psychedelic, sequences as Nan-young ventures into space, the story's heart lies in the quieter, meaningful moments between its leads. Absolutely exquisite.
To her friends, Gil Bok-soon (Jeon Do-yeon) is a successful events executive and dedicated single mother to her daughter Jae-yeong (Kim Si-a). In reality, she's the star performer at MK Ent—an assassination bureau, where her almost superhuman ability to predict every step in a critical situation has earned her a 100 percent success rate and a legendary reputation. The only problem: She's considering retiring at the end of her contract, a decision that opens her to threats from disgruntled enemies and ambitious colleagues alike. While its title and premise not-so-subtly evokes Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, director Byun Sung-hyun takes this Korean action epic to giddy heights with some of the most impressive fights committed to screen since, well, Kill Bill.
When Mary Smith moves to her great aunt’s estate in rural England, she finds herself unspeakably bored—until she finds a rare flower that blooms only once every seven years, coveted by witches for its magical properties. Soon, she's transported to Endor College, an academy for witches hidden in the clouds—but the warm welcome she receives from the fanciful faculty hides sinister secrets, and a dark ambition on the part of headmistress Madam Mumblechook that puts Mary's only friend, Peter, in danger. Adapted from Mary Stewart's novel The Little Broomstick and directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi (Arrietty, When Marnie Was There), Mary and the Witch’s Flower is a wonderful piece of family viewing, thrilling for kids with enough complexity for older viewers, and gorgeously animated from start to finish.
Kazuya Takaichi (Tsuyoshi Kusanagi) is conductor of the Hayabusa 60 shinkansen, zooming from Shin-Aomori to Tokyo. A perfectly normal job—until a terrorist reveals a bomb onboard, which will explode if the train slows below 100 kmph. As authorities race to stop the attacker and rescue the passengers, Kazuya is forced to keep everyone onboard safe. What's that? It's just Speed on a Japanese train? Nah, Speed was just the original 1975 The Bullet Train on an American bus—and this modern-day version is equal parts remake and sequel to that Sonny Chiba-starring classic. It's more than an entertaining action thriller, though—director Shinji Higuchi relishes the opportunity to poke fun at point-scoring politicians crippled by bureaucratic process in responding to the crisis (no surprise to anyone who's seen 2016's Shin Godzilla, which he codirected with Hideaki Anno). High-speed, literally explosive action, with a satirical edge, Bullet Train Explosion is a blast (sorry).
If there's a Stranger Things–shaped hole in your life thanks to the approximate 4,738-year wait between seasons, this behind-the-scenes documentary focused on production of the West End stage show The First Shadow might go some way to filling it. While the film doesn't give the whole production away—itself a prequel, set in 1959 and exploring how the sleepy town of Hawkins became ground zero for all things spooky—it's a fascinating look at the technical wizardry that went into bringing the show to life and how director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliott, Netflix's The Crown) and legendary theater producer Sonia Friedman worked with the Duffer Brothers to root everything in the lore and history of the series.
This gorgeously animated take on the concept of imaginary friends is a whimsical fable full of stunning visuals and big ideas. Adapted from the book by A. F. Harrold, The Imaginary follows young Amanda and her best friend Rudger—brought into being by her own mind—as they share countless adventures. But as Amanda ages, Rudger faces the fate of all Imaginaries: fading away as their humans forget them. The latest film from director Yoshiyuki Momose (Mary and the Witch’s Flower) and Studio Ponoc—spiritual successor to the mighty Studio Ghibli—this is a stunning ode to the power of imagination and friendship.
When keeping the living terrified is the economy of the afterlife, death becomes a literal capitalist hellhole. Dead Talents Society sees warring "ghostresses" Catherine (Sandrine Pinna) and her former protégé Jessica (Eleven Yao) battling for glamour and prestige in the great beyond by innovating new ways of scaring mortals, while a newcomer known only as Rookie (Gingle Wang) struggles to make her mark with any scares at all—and risks fading away entirely if she can't earn her undead keep. A sharply satirical horror comedy poking fun at everything from reality TV to hustle culture, this Taiwanese outing from writer-director John Hsu beats Beetlejuice at its own game.
A weekend getaway at a luxury vacation rental property for Amanda and Clay and their kids, Archie and Rose, takes a sinister turn in the wake of an inexplicable blackout. When the house's owner, George, and his daughter Ruth return early, suspicions mount—but a growing herd of deer lurking outside the house, failing vehicles, and scattered reports of attacks across the US force the two families to rely on each other in the face of what may be the end of the world. Adapted from the novel of same name by Rumaan Alam, and with a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha'la, and Kevin Bacon, this relishes in keeping the audiences as uncertain as its characters, explaining little, and leaving questions you'll be mulling for days.
Miles Morales’ (Shameik Moore) growth as Spider-Man continues in this phenomenal sequel to the Academy Award–winning Into the Spider-Verse—but this time, the web-slinger's neighborhood is a lot bigger and a lot less friendly. Introduced to a multiversal “Spider Society” led by the imposing Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac), Miles finds he's the only Spider-Man not invited—and that an unavoidable tragedy lies in his future. Even more visually ambitious than its predecessor, with each alternate reality—and the heroes that call them home, including Gwen Stacey Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfeld), Spider-Man India (Karan Soni), and Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya)—brought to life with distinctive design and animation styles, Across the Spider-Verse is an almost unspeakably ambitious outing. It's also one that balances sheer spectacle with darker, more emotional conflicts for Miles, offering neither him nor viewers any easy answers. A film so brilliant that the wait for the upcoming third installment, Beyond the Spider-Verse, becomes increasingly painful with every passing day.
This gleefully entertaining giant monster movie abandons tearing up Tokyo or New York in favor of director Roar Uthaug’s (2018's Tomb Raider) native Norway, with a titanic troll stomping its way toward Oslo after being roused by a drilling operation. Although the plot and characters will be familiar to any fan of kaiju cinema, the striking Nordic visuals and the titular menace’s ability to blend in with the landscape, allows for some impressively original twists along the way. Although Troll could have easily descended into near-parody, Uthaug steers clear of smug self-awareness and instead delivers, and with a sequel arriving later in 2025, now is the perfect time to revisit one of the freshest takes on the genre in years.
It's uncommon to find much in the way of classic films on Netflix—the algorithm must ever be fed by the churn of the new—so the availability of Alfonso Cuarón's brilliant 2001 coming-of-age movie is a real delight. Set in Mexico in 1999, Y Tu Mamá También (“And your mother, too”) follows rich kid Tenoch (Diego Luna) and his working-class friend Julio (Gael García Bernal) on a road trip with Luisa (Maribel Verdú), the wife of Tenoch’s cousin. It's a journey that sees the young men—still boys, really—competing for attention from the beautiful older woman, trapping themselves in lies and trying to get by on unearned confidence, all while claiming to be heading to a picture-perfect beach that they made up. As for why the much more mature and experienced Luisa would go along with them in the first place? Pack tissues. While the film courted controversy for its frank depiction of sex and drugs (it's not one for family film night), it remains a masterpiece; a raucous and all-too-real examination of young friendships and fragile masculinity.
Director Bong Joon-ho's searing 2019 thriller is the first non-English film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, and it's abundantly clear why. Its bleak exploration of economic disparity and condemnation of capitalistic excess is focused on its South Korea setting, but it resonates with global audiences. Parasite follows the struggling Kim family as they each infiltrate the lives of the wealthy Parks, posing as household servants to live a life of proximate luxury before their deception spirals wildly out of control. Somehow, it's also darkly comedic, mocking the obliviousness of the rich classes, both to their own privileges and to the desperation of the poor. Throughout, it's exquisitely shot and expertly paced, with Bong deftly increasing the tension with every scene until everything approaches a seemingly inevitable conclusion—and then still manages to twist and subvert audience expectations. A spectacular piece of filmmaking that deserves the hype, this examination of class and inequality feels more relevant than ever.
Is a movie set at Christmas in itself a Christmas movie? That debate has surged around Die Hard for decades. Now Carry-On asks the same question. A zippy thriller from House of Wax and Black Adam director Jaume Collet-Serra, this sees TSA agent Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) caught in the Christmas Eve shift from hell when he’s blackmailed by a mercenary known only as the Traveler (Jason Bateman) into allowing a deadly package through security. Cue a lethal game of cat-and-mouse as Ethan tries to stop the Traveler—all with the life of Ethan’s girlfriend Nora (Sofia Carson) in the balance. It’s pulpy and schlocky in places, but this throwback action outing can’t help but entertain.
In vitro fertilization may seem like a relatively mundane medical procedure nowadays, one that's brought hope and family to countless people struggling to conceive, but when the procedure was developed by a trio of British scientists and medics in the 1960s and '70s, it was hugely controversial. That makes for powerful material for this dramatization, charting the work of nurse and embryologist Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie), scientist Robert Edwards (James Norton), and surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy), even as they're demonized by the public, the UK government, and even—perhaps especially—the church. McKenzie in particular is brilliant as Purdy, torn by her own conflict of faith at being involved in the life-changing work, which also involved providing safe abortion care to women who needed it, and struggling to deal with the ostracizing she faces from her family and community as a result. A powerful and provocative drama, even now.
A serial killer is cast as a bachelor on a dating game show, allowing him to size up his next potential victim right in front of the audience watching at home. That'd be a twisted setup for a slasher flick—but what's horrifying about Woman of the Hour is that it's based on the real-life case of Rodney Alcala, who was a contestant on The Dating Game in 1978 while in the midst of a string of murders. This dramatization isn't centered on the killer, though. In her directorial debut, Anna Kendrick focuses instead on Sheryl (played by Kendrick, based on the real life Cheryl Bradshaw), the one unfortunate enough to be matched with Alcala (Daniel Zovatto), and the women who reported or suspected the killer, only to be routinely ignored by authorities. A taut thriller that makes clear the real horror lies in how easily Acala eluded attention for so long.
Will Ferrell likely needs no introduction, but as former head writer of Saturday Night Live, Harper Steele is more accustomed to life behind the camera. Joining the hit show in the same week back in 1995, the pair struck up a decades-long friendship—so when Harper wrote to tell Ferrell she was transitioning to live as a woman, it was a big change for them both. It also formed the basis for this beautiful, heartwarming, and often laugh-out-loud funny road trip documentary following the duo as they cross the US in an old Jeep Grand Wagoneer, reconnecting and learning what their friendship looks like now. It's awkward viewing at times—some of Ferrell's questions blur the line between bawdy and simply rude—but it's a raw and authentic journey for them both. Beyond the personal touches, Will & Harper is a timely view of what America looks like for a trans person right now, making it possibly one of the most important documentaries Netflix has produced.
As their father approaches the end of his life, sisters Rachel (Natasha Lyonne), Katie (Carrie Coon), and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) are forced to reconnect while waiting for the inevitable. Bleak stuff, but also grounds for masterful performances from the lead trio, with Rachel having taken on the bulk of care for months, Katie casting imperious demands despite avoiding the situation, and new-agey Christina trying to keep the peace—despite being at a breaking point herself. This is almost a locked-room piece, the apartment trapping the women, forcing them to come to terms with not only their father's death but their own relationships with each other, all while Vincent (Jay O. Sanders) haunts them even before his passing. Death may loom over director Azazel Jacobs’ drama, but His Three Daughters ultimately proves oddly life-affirming.
When Seita and his young sister Setsuko are orphaned in the wake of the fire-bombing of Kobe during the final days of World War II, the siblings are forced into terrible circumstances to survive. Stuck between abusive extended family and the sheer desperation of scavenging around the ruins of their destroyed hometown, it's a bleak existence—and also the basis for one of Studio Ghibli's finest works. Directed by Isao Takahata and based on a short story by Akiyuki Nosaka, Grave of the Fireflies is unapologetically harrowing in its exploration of how war and nationalism chew up the most vulnerable, yet peppered with moments of unwavering love as Seita attempts to protect Setsuko's innocence. This searing wartime drama is sobering but essential viewing, a film that's more than earned its ranking in the upper echelons of the Best Studio Ghibli films.
When corrupt cops run ex-Marine Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) off the road for cycling while Black, they also seize the money he had been planning to use to post his cousin’s bail. Despite the injustice, Terry tries to do everything by the book but finds almost every aspect of the legal system against him. Out of patience, and fueled by immensely justified anger, he sets about tearing out the rot from the small town, aided only by court clerk Summer (AnnaSophia Robb). Writer-director Jeremy Saulnier could have made Rebel Ridge merely a modern day First Blood, but while there’s plenty of visceral, bone-breaking fight scenes, it’s the film’s righteously angry look at the baked-in failings of the American legal system that gives this its bite—all while cementing Pierre as an action star to watch.
This so-serious-it's-ludicrous French creature feature sees Bérénice Bejo as marine specialist Sophia Assalas, who is hunting down a mako shark that has not only spontaneously mutated to survive in the freshwater Seine but is also about to give birth to a host of baby man-eating sharks. Worse still? Paris is about to hold a triathlon, with the swim portion set to become an all-you-can-eat buffet! Look, not everything on this list needs to be high art—sometimes, you just need to see a mutant shark straight up chomping on people while increasingly desperate humans start blowing stuff up. Press Play, turn brain off, enjoy.
Gary Johnson (Glen Powell) is a mild-mannered professor of philosophy—and a contract killer. Well, not quite. He just poses as one, working with the New Orleans Police Department to trap people looking to hire a hit man. It's a role he's surprisingly good at, but when Madison (Adria Arjona) looks to have her abusive husband “dealt” with, Gary begins to fall for her—and the consequences could be fatal for real. In another creator’s hands, Hit Man might have been either overly grim or simply insubstantial (it's loosely based on a true story), but director Richard Linklater leverages his signature uses of sparkling dialog and brilliantly realized characters to deliver a smart action-comedy that explores the roles people play in society as much as it serves up mistaken-identity hijinks.
Despite the presence of the eponymous kaiju, Godzilla Minus One is a film rooted in the humanity of its protagonists, deserter kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) and Noriko Ōishi (Minami Hamabe), a survivor of the bombings of Tokyo. Thrown together as an ersatz family as they raise an orphaned baby, their attempts to build a new life turn chaotic when the irradiated reptile descends on the city just as it's beginning to recover. Director Takashi Yamazaki's reimagining of Japan's premier kaiju netted the King of Monsters its first-ever Oscar, picking up a statue for Best Visual Effects at the 2024 Academy Awards, but this is a film that exceeds mere spectacle—it's a searing examination of life after war, and how a nation grapples with being on the losing side.
Suzume Iwato (voiced by Nanoka Hara in Japanese, Nichole Sakura in English) lives with her aunt on Japan's southern island, having lost her mother in the Tōhoku earthquake of 2011. When a handsome young stranger named Souta (Hokuto Matsumura, Josh Keaton) asks her for directions to some local ruins, she follows him out of curiosity but disturbs a living keystone, accidentally unleashing an ancient power that threatens to destroy the entire country. Drawn into Souta's world, the pair chase the keystone, now in the form of a cat, across Japan in a desperate bid to reseal the destructive entity—a quest that would be easier if Souta hadn't been transformed into a child's wooden chair. The latest film from Makoto Shinkai (Your Name, Weathering with You), Suzume is a breathtakingly animated slice of magical realism with a surrealist edge—but beyond the spectacle, it's a heart-warming tale of community and humanity, each stop on the unlikely pair's journey a snapshot of people and families coming together in the wake of tragedy.
Directed by George C. Wolfe (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), this biopic explores the life of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. While perhaps best known as one of the chief organizers of 1963's March on Washington, Rustin was also openly, unapologetically gay at a time when that was phenomenally rare—and the film doesn't shy away from how that alienated many of the people he worked with, his sexuality often seen as a threat to the movement. A much-needed spotlight on an overlooked but pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, elevated by a central performance from a spectacularly well-cast Colman Domingo as Rustin himself.
Fleeing war-torn South Sudan, Bol (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) and Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) are now living in a run-down house at the edge of London, harassed by their neighbors even as they try to fit in. The couple are also haunted by the lives they left behind—both figuratively and (possibly) literally, with visions of their late daughter Nyagak, who did not survive the journey, fading in and out of the walls of their dismal new home. The real horror of His House isn't the strange visions, haunted house, or potential ghosts, though—it’s the bleakness of the lives Bol and Rial are forced into, the hostility and dehumanization of the UK asylum process, the racism both overt and casual, all coupled with the enormous sense of loss they carry with them. Blending the macabre with the mundane, director Remi Weekes delivers a tense, challenging film that will haunt viewers as much as its characters.
Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo) lives a peaceful life as a church deacon, trying to atone for—or at least forget—his former deeds as a highly trained special agent. Plans to leave his violent and bloody past behind fall apart when his son is framed for a murder and then killed by corrupt police, forcing him to fall back on old skills as he seeks vengeance. Shades of Taken, yes, but it's director Editi Effiong's raw energy and fresh takes on familiar action movie formulas that—backed by one of the highest budgets in "Nollywood" history—have this gritty outing topping the most-watched lists as far afield as South Korea. Expand your cinematic horizons and see what the fuss is about.
Centered on the eponymous Berlin nightclub, this documentary explores the lives of LGBTQ+ people during the interwar years, from the roaring 1920s through the rise of the Nazis and into the horrors of World War II. With a blend of archival footage, recreations, and first-person accounts, director Benjamin Cantu paints a picture of gleeful decadence, the Eldorado as an almost hallowed ground where performers and patrons alike experimented with gender expression and were free to openly display their sexuality. It's an ode to what was lost, but with an eye on the bizarre contradictions of the age, where openly gay club-goers would wear their own Nazi uniforms as the years went by. Everything the Nazis Hate is emotionally challenging viewing in places, but it serves up an important slice of queer history that many will be completely unaware of.
Wu Ming-han (Greg Hsu) is not a great guy. A homophobic police officer, his life—and prejudices—are changed when he picks up an unassuming red envelope while investigating a case. Now bound under “ghost marriage” customs to Mao Mao (Austin Lin), a gay man who died under mysterious circumstances, Wu has to solve his “husband's” death before he can get on with his life. Directed by Cheng Wei-hao, better known for his thrillers and horror movies, Marry My Dead Body sees the Taiwanese director bring his supernatural stylings to this ghostly absurdist comedy for a film that transcends borders.
Drug dealer Fontaine (John Boyega) got shot to death last night. So why has he just woken up in bed as if nothing happened? That existential question leads Fontaine and two unlikely allies—prostitute Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris) and pimp Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx)—to uncovering a vast conspiracy centered on a Black-majority town called The Glen, where people are kept mollified by hypnotic rap music, dumbed down with drug-laced fried chicken and grape juice, and preached into obedience at church. But who’s using the town as a petri dish, and why is there a cloning lab buried underground? This lethally sharp satire from writer and debut director Juel Taylor masterfully blends genres, from the use of visual motifs and dated clichés from 1970s Blaxploitation cinema to its frequent steps into sci-fi territory and laugh-out-loud comedy. But it’s the powerhouse performances from its central cast that mark this as one to watch.
Shapeshifter Nimona can become anything she wants, a gift that causes people to fear and shun her. If society is going to treat her like a villain, she's going to be one, so she decides to become the sidekick of the hated black knight, Ballister Blackheart. Unfortunately for the aspiring menace, Blackheart isn't quite the monster he's made out to be, and he instead tries to rein in Nimona's more murderous tendencies as he seeks to clear his name of a crime he didn't commit—and face down his old friend Ambrosius Goldenloin in the process. Adapted from N. D. Stevenson's groundbreaking graphic novel, Nimona is more than just another fanciful fantasy—it's a tale of outsiders and exiles, people trying to do right even when their community rejects them, and the joy of finding their own little band along the way. After an almost decade-long journey to the screen, this dazzlingly animated movie has become an instant classic.
In a world already ravaged by a zombie-like plague, Andy Rose (Martin Freeman) only wants to keep his family safe, sticking to Australia’s rural back roads to avoid infection. After his wife is tragically bitten, and infects him in turn, Andy is desperate to find a safe haven for his infant daughter, Rosie. With a mere 48 hours until he succumbs himself, Andy finds an ally in Thoomi (Simone Landers), an Aboriginal girl looking to protect her own rabid father. But with threats from paranoid survivalists and Aboriginal communities hunting the infected, it may already be too late. A unique twist on the zombie apocalypse, Cargo abandons the familiar urban landscapes of the genre for the breathtaking wilds of Australia and offers a slower, character-led approach to the end of the world.
An idyllic slice-of-life movie with a twist, Call Me Chihiro follows a former sex worker—the eponymous Chihiro, played by Kasumi Arimura—after she moves to a seaside town to work in a bento restaurant. This isn’t a tale of a woman on the run or trying to escape her past—Chihiro is refreshingly forthright and unapologetic, and her warmth and openness soon begin to change the lives of her neighbors. Directed by Rikiya Imaizumi, this is an intimate, heartfelt character drama that alternates between moments of aching loneliness and sheer joy, packed with emotional beats that remind viewers of the importance of even the smallest connections.
Daniel Craig reprises his role as detective Benoit Blanc in this brilliant follow-up to 2019’s phenomenal whodunnit, Knives Out. Writer-director Rian Johnson crafts a fiendishly sharp new case for “the Last of the Gentlemen Sleuths,” taking Blanc to a Greek island getaway for a reclusive tech billionaire and his collection of friends and hangers-on, where a planned murder mystery weekend takes a deadly turn. While totally accessible for newcomers, fans of the first film will also be rewarded with some deeper character development for Blanc, a role that’s shaping up to be as iconic for Craig as 007. As cleverly written and meticulously constructed as its predecessor, and featuring the kind of all-star cast—Edward Norton! Janelle Monáe! Kathryn Hahn! Leslie Odom Jr.! Jessica Henwick! Madelyn Cline! Kate Hudson! Dave Bautista!—that cinema dreams are made of, Glass Onion might be the best thing Netflix has dropped all year.
Florence Pugh dazzles in this not-quite-horror film from Oscar-winning director Sebastián Lelio. Set in 1862, English nurse Lib Wright (Pugh) is sent to Ireland to observe Anna O’Donnell, a girl who claims to have not eaten in four months, subsisting instead on “manna from heaven.” Still grieving the loss of her own child, Lib is torn between investigating the medical impossibility and growing concern for Anna herself. Amid obstacles in the form of Anna’s deeply religious family and a local community that distrusts her, Lib’s watch descends into a tense, terrifying experience. Based on a book of the same name by Emma Donoghue, The Wonder is a beautiful yet bleakly shot period piece that explores the all-too-mortal horrors that unquestioning religious fervor and family secrets can wreak.
One of India’s biggest films of all time, RRR (or Rise, Roar, Revolt) redefines the notion of cinematic spectacle. Set in 1920, the historical epic follows real-life Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitrama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.) but fictionalizes their lives and actions. Although they come from very different walks of life, their similarities draw them together as they face down sadistic governor Scott Buxton (Ray Stevenson) and his cruel wife, Catherine (Alison Doody). No mere period fluff, RRR is a bold, exciting, and often explosive piece of filmmaking that elevates its heroes to near-mythological status. Director S. S. Rajamouli deploys brilliantly shot action scenes—and an exquisitely choreographed dance number—that grab viewers’ attention and refuse to let go. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Indian cinema or just looking for an action flick beyond the Hollywood norm, RRR is not to be missed.
An award winner at Cannes in 2019, this tale of burgeoning young love, obsession, and autonomous body parts is every bit as weird as you might expect for a French adult animated film. Director Jérémy Clapin charts the life of Naoufel, a Moroccan immigrant in modern-day France who falls for the distant Gabrielle, and Naoufel’s severed hand, which makes its way across the city to try to reconnect. With intersecting timelines and complex discussions about fate, I Lost My Body is often mind-bending yet always captivating, and Clapin employs brilliantly detailed animation and phenomenal color choices throughout. Worth watching in both the original French and the solid English dub featuring Dev Patel and Alia Shawkat, this one dares you to make sense of it all.
Frustrated by the world’s collective inaction on existential threats like climate change? Maybe don’t watch Don’t Look Up, director Adam McKay’s satirical black comedy. When two low-level astronomers discover a planet-killing comet on a collision course with Earth, they try to warn the authorities—only to be met with a collective “meh.” Matters only get worse when they attempt to leak the news themselves and have to navigate vapid TV hosts, celebrities looking for a signature cause, and an indifferent public. A bleakly funny indictment of our times, bolstered by a star-studded cast fronted by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, Don’t Look Up is, somewhat depressingly, one of the best portraits of humanity since Idiocracy.
“We will drill, baby, drill,” President Donald Trump declared at his inauguration on January 20. Echoing the slogan that exemplified his energy policies during the campaign, he made his message clear: more oil and gas, lower prices, greater exports.
Six months into Trump’s second term, his administration has little to show on that score. Output is ticking up, but slower than it did under the Biden administration. Pump prices for gasoline have bobbed around where they were in inauguration week. And exports of crude oil in the four months through April trailed those in the same period last year.
“The industry is going to do what the industry is going to do,” said Jenny Rowland-Shea, director for public lands at the Center for American Progress, a progressive policy think tank.
That’s because the price of oil, the world’s most-traded commodity, is more responsive to global demand and supply dynamics than to domestic policy and posturing.
The market is flush with supplies at the moment, as the Saudi Arabia-led cartel of oil-producing nations known as OPEC+ allows more barrels to flow, while China, the world’s top oil consumer, curbs its consumption. Within the US, a boom in energy demand driven by rapid electrification and AI-serving data centers is boosting power costs for homes and businesses, yet fossil fuel producers are not rushing to ramp up drilling.
There is one key indicator of drilling levels that the industry has watched closely for more than 80 years: a weekly census of active oil and gas rigs published by Baker Hughes. When Trump came into office on Janunary 20, the US rig count was 580. Last week, the most recent figure, it was down to 542—hovering just above a four-year low reached earlier in the month.
The most glaring factor behind this stagnant rig count is the current level of crude oil prices. Take the US benchmark grade: West Texas Intermediate crude. Its prices were near $66 a barrel on July 28, after hitting a four-year low of $62 in May. The break-even level for drilling new wells is somewhere close to $60 per barrel, according to oil and gas experts.
That’s before you account for the fallout of elevated tariffs on steel and other imports for the many companies that get their pipes and drilling equipment from overseas, said Robert Rapier, editor-in-chief of Shale Magazine, who has two decades of experience as a chemical engineer.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ quarterly survey of over 130 oil and gas producers based in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, conducted in June, suggests the industry’s outlook is pessimistic. Nearly half of the 38 firms that responded to this question saw their firms drilling fewer wells this year than they had earlier expected.
Survey participants could also submit comments. One executive from an exploration and production (E&P) company said, “It’s hard to imagine how much worse policies and DC rhetoric could have been for US E&P companies.” Another executive said, “The Liberation Day chaos and tariff antics have harmed the domestic energy industry. ‘Drill, baby, drill’ will not happen with this level of volatility.”
Roughly one in three survey respondents chalked up the expectations for fewer wells to higher tariffs on steel imports. And three in four said tariffs raised the cost of drilling and completing new wells.
“They’re getting more places to drill and they’re getting some lower royalties, but they’re also getting these tariffs that they don’t want,” Rapier said. “And the bottom line is their profits are going to suffer.”
Earlier this month, ExxonMobil estimated that its profit in the April–June quarter will be roughly $1.5 billion lower than in the previous three months because of weaker oil and gas prices. And over in Europe, BP, Shell, and TotalEnergies issued similar warnings to investors about hits to their respective profits.
These warnings come even as Trump has installed friendly faces to regulate the oil and gas sector, including at the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of the Interior, the latter of which manages federal lands and is gearing up to auction more oil and gas leases on those lands.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm for a window of opportunity to make investments. But there’s also a lot of caution about wanting to make sure that if there’s regulatory reforms, they’re going to stick,” said Kevin Book, managing director of research at ClearView Energy Partners, which produces analyses for energy companies and investors.
The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains provisions requiring four onshore and two offshore lease sales every year, lowering the minimum royalty rate to 12.5 percent from 16.67 percent and bringing back speculative leasing—when lands that don’t invite enough bids are leased for less money—that was stopped in 2022.
“Pro-energy policies play a critical role in strengthening domestic production,” said a spokesperson for the American Petroleum Institute, the top US oil and gas industry group. “The new tax legislation unlocks opportunities for safe, responsible development in critical resource basins to deliver the affordable, reliable fuel Americans rely on.”
Because about half of the federal royalties end up with the states and localities where the drilling occurs, “budgets in these oil and gas communities are going to be hit hard,” Rowland-Shea of American Progress said. Meanwhile, she said, drilling on public lands can pollute the air, raise noise levels, cause spills or leaks, and restrict movement for both people and wildlife.
Earlier this year, Congress killed an EPA rule finalized in November that would have charged oil and gas companies for flaring excess methane from their operations.
“Folks in the Trump camp have long said that the Biden administration was killing drilling by enforcing these regulations on speculative leasing and reining in methane pollution,” said Rowland-Shea. “And yet under Biden, we saw the highest production of oil and gas in history.”
In fact, the top three fossil fuel producers collectively earned less during Trump’s first term than they did in either of President Barack Obama’s terms or under President Joe Biden. “It’s an irony that when Democrats are in there and they’re putting in policies to shift away from oil and gas, which causes the price to go up, that is more profitable for the oil and gas industry,” said Rapier.
That doesn’t mean, of course, that the Trump administration’s actions won’t have long-lasting climate implications. Even though six months may be a significant amount of time in political accounting, investment decisions in the energy sector are made over longer horizons, ClearView’s Book said. As long as the planned lease sales take place, oil companies can snap up and sit on public lands until they see more favorable conditions for drilling.
What could pad the demand for oil and gas is how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will withdraw or dilute the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax incentives and subsidies for renewable energy sources. “With the kneecapping of wind and solar, that’s going to put a lot more pressure on fossil fuels to fill that gap,” Rowland-Shea said.
However, the economics of solar and wind are increasingly too attractive to ignore. With electricity demand exceeding expectations, Book said, “any president looking ahead at end-user prices and power supply might revisit or take a flexible position if they find themselves facing shortage.”
A recent United Nations report found that “solar and wind are now almost always the least expensive—and the fastest—option for new electricity generation.” That is why Texas, deemed the oil capital of the world, produces more wind power than any other state and also led the nation in new solar capacity in the last two years.
Renewables like wind and solar, said Rowland-Shea, are “a truly abundant and American source of energy.”
Squid Game, Sakamoto Days, and Grace and Frankie are just a few of the shows you need to watch on Netflix this month.
Still from Grace and Frankie.Photograph: Saeed Adyani/NETFLIX
Streaming services are known for having award-worthy series but also plenty of duds. Our guide to the best TV shows on Netflix is updated weekly to help you know which series you should move to the top of your queue. They aren’t all surefire winners—we love a good less-than-obvious gem—but they’re all worth your time, trust us.
Feel like you’ve already watched everything on this list that you want to see? Try our guide to the best movies on Netflix for more options. And if you’ve already completed Netflix and are in need of a new challenge, check out our picks for the best shows on Hulu and the best shows on Disney+. Don’t like our picks or want to offer suggestions of your own? Head to the comments below.
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Just released from prison, Marius (Giovanni Ribisi) steals the identity of former cellmate Pete Murphy in order to hide from the dangers of his old life. On the run from a vicious gangster played by Bryan Cranston (who also jointly created the show), Marius nestles in with Pete’s motley crew of estranged family. They're delighted to be reunited with their long-lost relative, but he finds taking over another man’s life might be even more dangerous than the past he’s running from. Originally an Amazon Prime series, this three-season drama can now be binged in its entirety on Netflix.
The brainchild of Friends cocreator Marta Kauffman, this sharp sitcom sees Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as the titular Grace and Frankie, longtime acquaintances forced into living together after their husbands leave them late in life—for each other. The show follows this contemporary odd couple as they deal with their ex-husbands' coming out, their adult children's drama, and each other's maddening personalities, all while building a genuine friendship and trying to prove to themselves and the world that age is just a number. Taking cues from Arrested Development, Grace and Frankie's chief comedic currency is awkwardness, as their two extended families—the rich, business-minded Hansons and the borderline hippy Bergsteins—bring their neuroses and baggage to bear while navigating adult familial relationships. Think of it as a modern-day Golden Girls—just with more swearing and drug use.
Taro Sakamoto used to be the worst of the worst, a hitman par excellence, his lethal skills making him a legendary figure in the criminal underworld. Then he fell in love, got married, and retired to run a convenience store with his wife Aoi and their daughter Hana. Unfortunately, he didn't exactly leave his old job on the best of terms, and now a cadre of killers are out for the billion yen bounty on his head. Luckily, Sakamoto's lost none of his skills—even though he's let himself go in other areas—but can he protect his family without breaking Aoi's strict "no killing" rule? Based on the manga by Yuto Suzuki, this comedy action anime is a blast. Now into its second season, with new episodes dropping each Monday, it's appointment viewing you won't want to miss.
Based on the comic book by Jeff Lemire, Sweet Tooth kicks off 10 years after “The Sick,” a viral pandemic that killed most of the population and led—somehow—to babies being born with part-human, part-animal characteristics. The series follows Gus (Christian Convery), a half-deer hybrid boy who leaves the wilderness in search of his mother, and “Big Man” Tommy Jeppard (Nonso Anozie), a grizzled traveler who becomes his reluctant guide, protecting him from surviving humans who hate and fear the hybrids. Over the course of three seasons, Gus and Jeppard are drawn into conflict with scientist Aditya Singh (Adeel Akhtar), whose research into the origins of The Sick sees him take on an almost religious obsession with Gus, all while tensions mount between the increasingly diverged species of humans and hybrids. Part sci-fi, part fantasy, part mystery, Sweet Tooth offers viewers a postapocalyptic dystopia unlike any other.
The Korean sensation that became a global phenomenon, Squid Game’s blend of Hunger Games’ shocking elimination battles and Parasite’s condemnation of exploitative capitalism turned it into one of Netflix's biggest-ever hits. It started off simply enough—hundreds of desperate people recruited to compete in a series of playground games with a deadly twist, the survivor winning a ₩45.6 billion ($35.8 million) jackpot. But now, with its third and final season, the stakes are higher than ever, and even perennial survivor Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) might not be able to win this round. Intense, brutal, and frequently graphic, Squid Game remains gripping to the very end.
Little else is as fascinating as a real-life disaster born of sheer hubris. The strange mix of “saw that one coming” and “get the popcorn,” as you watch events unfold makes for captivating viewing. That's the special sauce for Trainwreck, Netflix's series of documentaries exploring some of the biggest, well, train wrecks of recent history. From the crack-cocaine-fueled tenure of Toronto's disgraced mayor Rob Ford to the avoidable errors that saw a luxury cruise liner turned into an infamous “poop cruise,” each installment is a fascinating exploration of how badly things can go wrong when the wrong people are in charge. Netflix oddly categorizes each Trainwreck as its own movie, but it's really a loosely connected anthology, and while some cases require their own multi-episode arcs to excavate the wreckage (shoutout to Woodstock ’99), there's no particular starting point—simply pick your favorite screw-up and just try to look away.
Years ago, Kieran Elliott (Charlie Vickers) survived a storm that trapped him in a sea cave, but his brother Finn and friend Toby died in the rescue attempt. Fifteen years later, he returns to his hometown with his partner Mia (Yerin Ha) and their baby Audrey for a memorial, finding that everyone from neighbors to his own mother still blame him for the tragedy. While those deaths still haunt the small town community, they may also have obscured another tragedy—teenager Gabby Birch went missing the same night. Now, out-of-town investigator Bronte (Shannon Berry), the only person who still cared about the long-cold case, has wound up dead herself, and everyone in Kieran's life seems to be connected. Adapted from the novel by Jane Harper, this Australian murder mystery from Glitch creator Tony Ayres is a darkly compelling miniseries.
To those in the northern hemisphere, this Australian supernatural drama might be one of the best-kept secrets of the past decade. Centered on a small town in Victoria, an entire community is shaken when seven people rise from their graves, seemingly in perfect health but with no memory of who they are or how they died. As police sergeant James Hayes (Patrick Brammall) and local doctor Elishia McKellar (Genevieve O'Reilly) try to contain and examine “The Risen,” Hayes’ world is rocked when he learns his own late wife Kate is among them. Over the course of three seasons and 18 episodes, the reasons for the dead's return is teased out, starting with simply “how” and “why” but building up to something that questions the rules of reality. A fantastic ensemble cast and brilliant pacing make this a must-see.
Edinburgh police detective Carl Morck (The Crown's Matthew Goode) used to be one of the best—until his arrogance got his partner paralyzed and a uniformed officer killed, and saw him narrowly survive a bullet through his own neck. After returning to work following a lengthy period of mandatory leave, Morck finds himself heading up the new Department Q—an underfunded, under-staffed operation in the precinct's dank basement, dedicated to solving the iciest of cold cases. Gathering a team of misfits, including Rose (Leah Byrne), eager to please but recovering from a breakdown, Akram (Alexej Manvelov), a Syrian refugee, and Morck's still-bedbound partner James (Jamie Sives), the department has a lot to prove—but solving the disappearance of Merritt Linguard (Chloe Pirrie) might be a good start. Based on the novels by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, Dept. Q is a brilliant blend of Scandi noir and gritty British crime drama.
First The White Lotus, then The Perfect Couple, and now Sirens—Meghann Fahy is making a career out of starring in shows where we get to see awfully rich people doing awfully bad things to each other. Here, she plays down-on-her-luck Devon, drawn into the luxurious world her sister Simone (Milly Alcock, imminently Supergirl) inhabits by proxy, working as an assistant to billionaire's wife Michaela (Julianne Moore). It's never clear how willingly Simone got involved with the charismatic Michaela, who may be a mentor or cult leader or something else entirely, nor how overprotective or paranoid Devon is, but the hook of this glossy, dark comedy is in finding out.
Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín) was settling in for a card game with his friends. Then the snow started falling—unusual enough for Buenos Aires in the summer, and downright terrifying when everyone touched by the freak weather event drops dead. But as Salvo desperately tries to find his daughter and ex-wife among the few survivors, an even deeper horror emerges. Adapted from a beloved Argentinian comic book by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López, The Eternaut offers a unique piece of postapocalyptic drama, focusing on grounded, authentic characters before spinning off into wilder sci-fi directions.
This adult animated take on Greek mythology returns for its third and final season, bringing the odyssey of demigod Heron—son of Zeus and mortal woman Electra—to a brutal conclusion. After years of manipulation, power plays, and betrayals, the season picks up with the Olympian gods and their Titan predecessors lined up against each other, the fate of the world hanging on the outcome of the ultimate family feud. Heron and his estranged brother Seraphim may be the only ones able to bring peace—so it's rather inconvenient that Heron is dead. From start to finish, Blood of Zeus has impressed with smart writing that offers compelling twists on the classic myths, all brought to life with top-tier animation and phenomenal voice acting, and it doesn't disappoint as it reaches its finale. One of Netflix's best animated series.
Based on the novels of Caroline Kepnes, You is an often deeply disturbing series. During the first season, bookstore manager Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) falls in deranged-love-at-first-sight with aspiring author Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail). In subsequent ones, he relocates to Los Angeles, where heiress Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti) became the focus of his attention, and then to London, where he poses as an unassuming university professor before meeting his match in Kate Galvin (Charlotte Ritchie). At each turn, the globe-hopping saga of murderous obsession has become more and more unsettling. In the fifth and final season, Joe returns to New York with his new wife, Kate, but the darkness and brutality that's followed him around the world is never far behind. Often shocking, You is a gripping thriller that hits the same sinister sweet spot as early (read: good) seasons of Dexter.
Three couples—lovebirds Kate and Jack (Tina Fey and Will Forte), glamorous Danny and Claude (Colman Domingo and Marco Calvani), and fraying Nick and Anne (Steve Carrell and Kerri Kenney-Silver)—have known each other since college, maintaining their decades-long friendship with a series of regular vacations together. But when Nick finally splits with Anne—who was about to surprise him with a vow renewal—the group's dynamic completely changes. It sounds like the premise for a depressing drama, but The Four Seasons is instead a surprisingly life-affirming comedy, bolstered by fantastic performances across-the-board. A loose adaptation of the 1981 movie of the same name, this eight-episode miniseries—cocreated by Fey—sometimes takes things in more farcical, physical comedy directions, but maintains a charming sense of warmth and humanity throughout.
Black Mirror returns with six new episodes that continue to explore humanity’s complicated relationship with technology. Although the new, seventh season includes a couple of rare sequels to previous Black Mirror episodes, the anthology format means every episode remains accessible. That means you can jump right in with the heartbreaking “Eulogy,” where Paul Giamatti's Phillip dives through his own fractured memories of a lost lover. Or you can start with the sinister “Plaything,” in which a gaming journalist gets murderously obsessed with a strange life-sim game, partly inspired by series creator Charlie Brooker’s own background. (In a very meta twist, you can play the game for real.) Whether you’re a longtime fan or this is your first encounter with poignant tech dystopias, all of Black Mirror awaits your viewing.
Young Inuk woman Siaja (Anna Lambe, True Detective: Night Country) married straight out of high school, then spent years trapped in the shadow of her shallow, selfish husband, Ting—the golden boy of their small town of Ice Cove, nestled far in the Arctic Circle. A brush with death—and possibly the goddess Nuliajuk—gives her the push to make a fresh start, but an explosive breakup in a community of only 2,000 people means Siaja’s personal life is now everyone’s business. Netflix’s first Canadian original series, this sharp sitcom is packed with warmth and humor, while its on-location shooting in Iqaluit (the real-life capital of the Arctic Canadian territory of Nunavut) delivers breathtaking natural beauty along with the laughs.
Building on the success of Castlevania, Netflix’s take on Capcom’s Devil May Cry series continues the streamer’s strong track record of animated video game adaptations. For those who've never picked up a controller, the series follows half-demon devil hunter Dante, a stylish slayer with a penchant for slicing up hell's worst offenders. This eight-episode spectacular sees Dante (voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch) clashing with the horrific White Rabbit (Hoon Lee), a twisted monster aiming to tear down the barrier between Earth and hell. Animation fans will also appreciate one of the final performances from the venerable, sadly-passed Kevin Conroy as the villainous US Vice President Baines. Devil May Cry may be unashamedly in love with its own early 2000s origins—as evidenced by a soundtrack filled with songs from the likes of Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach—but this slickly animated action masterpiece is a hellishly good time.
A quiet English town. 6 am. Police raid the house of Jamie Miller on suspicion of murdering an innocent girl. Jamie is 13 years old. A shocking mini-series, this isn't a whodunit, but a whydunit. Its four episodes—each masterfully shot in a single real-time take—explore how boys are radicalized online to hate women, and the horrifying effects it has. The powerhouse cast includes cocreator and writer Stephen Graham (Bodies, A Thousand Blows) as Jamie's father Eddie, Ashley Walters (Bulletproof) as Detective Boscombe, the arresting officer and investigator of Jamie's crime, and Erin Doherty (The Crown) as the psychologist evaluating Jamie. Each brings this incredibly difficult material to life, but it's newcomer Owen Cooper as Jamie who most astounds, turning from petrified to cheeky to vitriolic in a terrifying heartbeat. Adolescence is harrowing but important viewing.
Originally an AMC+ show, both seasons of Pantheon are now available on Netflix. Good timing too, since its nightmarish scenario of digitally uploaded human consciousnesses and exploration of the impact such technology would have on society feels worryingly prescient. With plot threads weaving between isolated Maddie Kim, whose dead father may have been reborn as an “Uploaded Intelligence,” Caspian Keyes, a genius teenager whose entire life is a Truman Show–style lie, and Vinod Chanda, an engineer investigating UI, this hard sci-fi outing—based on the short fiction of Ken Liu—offers a dark examination of virtual immortality. A uniquely brilliant adult animated series.
Cards on the table: A significant part of the appeal here is seeing the iconic Robert De Niro in his first major English-language TV role (he previously appeared in the Argentinian Nada, aka Nothing). He doesn't disappoint with his performance as former US president George Mullen—pulled out of retirement to oversee a commission investigating a colossal cyberattack that left thousands of Americans dead and the terrifying warning that "this will happen again"—commanding the screen with his trademark gravitas. Director Lesli Linka Glatter wrings great drama from the whodunit of it all (Russians? hackers? hedge fund bros?), but with Mullen handed unprecedented powers to track down the culprits, the real nail-biting moments come from its suddenly timely explorations of abuses of power. With a powerhouse cast that includes Angela Bassett, Lizzy Caplan, and Jesse Plemons, Zero Day is an engaging political thriller, and at six episodes it makes for a great binge-watch.
Influencers have been known to hawk nonsense diets and spurious “wellness” regimens, but few have ever done it like Belle Gibson, the real-life Australian influencer who went as far as faking brain cancer for attention. And while she hailed alternative diets and whole foods for keeping her nonexistent illness at bay—launching an app and cookbook in the process—actual cancer sufferers paid the price for her extreme narcissism and greed. This dramatized limited series—“a true-ish story … based on a lie,” as Netflix puts it—makes for uncomfortably gripping viewing as it charts the rise and fall of Gibson (Kaitlyn Dever, with a flawless Aussie accent) and her rivalry with Milla Blake (Alycia Debnam-Cary), a fellow influencer and actual cancer patient. Better than doomscrolling reels on Instagram or TikTok, and a reminder that everyone should be a lot more skeptical of anything influencers are shilling on social media.
Special agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) is back, and the stakes have never been higher. While the first season of The Night Agent wove a compelling spy drama out of the idea of a mole at the heart of America's intelligence services, the newly arrived second season takes a more global approach—Sutherland hunts down a stolen chemical weapon project, drawing him back into the orbit of tech savant and sometime love interest Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan), while Iranian diplomatic aide Noor Taheri (Arienne Mandi) offers secrets to the CIA in return for asylum, and a deposed Eastern European dictator aims to manipulate everything from behind bars. Sure, the show’s mix of politics and spook work won’t surprise genre diehards, but it weaves together its many influences—and many more plot threads—into a supremely entertaining thriller.
The four Takezawa sisters are close but have little in common. Eldest Tsunako (Rie Miyazawa) is already a widow; repressed Takiko (Yû Aoi) and rebellious Sakiko (Suzu Hirose) are always at each other's throats; and second-born Makiko (Machiko Ono) tries to balance keeping the peace with being a housewife and mother to her own two children. Yet when Takiko learns that their father Kotaro (Jun Kunimura) may have a second, secret, family, the sisters’ bonds are put to the test as they struggle to uncover the truth. Asura is far more than a turgid family drama—it's equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, capturing the complexities of the relationships between its quartet of protagonists. Keeping the 1970s setting of Kuniko Mukōda’s original novel allows Palme d’Or– winning director Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters) to craft a gorgeously shot period piece that still feels incredibly timely and modern.
You know the drill—everyday teenager learns she has superpowers and is destined to fight the forces of darkness. Except Jentry Chau (voiced by Ali Wong) is not like any other teenage girl—she’s known about the supernatural her whole life (her uncontrollable fire powers were a giveaway) and spent a lifetime avoiding it. Sent to study in Korea for her own safety, Jentry is drawn back into the mystic world after being attacked in Seoul by a jiangshi named Ed (Bowen Yang). Brought back to her home in Texas by her great-aunt, Jentry has to survive not only the formidable mogui Mr. Cheng, who intends to drain her soul and powers, but the horrors of high school, culture shock, and the pain of her own past. Taking the “high school is hell” metaphor of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, adding a dash of Gravity Falls’ mystery, and rooting it all in Asian mythology, Jentry Chau vs the Underworld is one of Netflix’s freshest animated shows in years.
Take Selling Sunset and add a grisly tragicomic twist and you just about have No Good Deed. A dark comedy from Liz Feldman, creator of Dead to Me, this eight-part series starts with Lydia and Paul Morgan (Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano) putting their gorgeous home on the market, and descends into darker territory as prospective buyers go to ever more desperate attempts to get their hands on the house, nosy neighbors interfere, and the grisly history of the house itself threatens to come to light. Buoyed by a stellar cast including Teyonah Parris, Abbi Jacobson, Luke Wilson, and Denis Leary, this is a glossy, witty, and possibly only slightly exaggerated take on the brutality of the Los Angeles property market.
The latest show from comedy mastermind Michael Schur (The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), A Man on the Inside features Ted Danson as Charles Nieuwendyk, a retired engineering professor who's lost all direction since his wife passed. But when private investigator Julie Kovalenko (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) needs a man of his demographic to go undercover in a retirement community to investigate allegations of resident abuse, Charles may find an unlikely new lease on life—if he can figure out how to use his smartphone, that is. Reflecting on end-of-life realities as much as it plays up Charles' fish-out-of-water situation, it's a show that's equal parts poignant, melancholic, and achingly funny—and it's based on a true story, to boot.
Helen Webb (Keira Knightley) is wife to the UK defense secretary, mother to two children, and bored with her picture-perfect life. Spectacular cover then, since she's actually a spy for the mercenary organization Black Doves, selling state secrets to the highest bidder. But when her real love Jason (Andrew Koji) is killed, Helen is determined to find out who killed him and why—and her pursuit of the truth threatens both her public and private lives. Paired with assassin and old friend Sam (Ben Whishaw, in a very different spy role to his turn in the James Bond films) at the behest of stern operator Mrs. Reed (Sarah Lancashire), Helen's obsession could have led to a dour, gritty thriller, but Black Doves bucks the grim-dark trend to serve up a pulpy, colorful outing with enough heart to balance its violence. At only six episodes (with a second season already confirmed), it's a brisk watch too.
Animated series based on video games can run the gamut from cheap cash-ins to half-decent if forgettable tie-ins, inaccessible to anyone but hardcore devotees. Yet Arcane stood out by making its connections to Riot Games' League of Legends almost optional. While its central figures, orphaned sisters Vi and Jinx, are playable characters in the game, this steampunk saga of class war, civil uprising, and the people caught in between is entirely accessible. The second and final season, released in a trio of movie-length blocks of three episodes apiece, escalates the conflict between the warring factions but never loses its central focus on the fractured relationship between sisters. With a gorgeous painterly art style, strong characters, and frequently shocking story beats, Arcane is one of the best animated series in years—and it has racked up plenty of awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program, to prove it.
Picking up decades after Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence’s iconic fight at the end of the first Karate Kid movie, Cobra Kai initially follows a washed-up Johnny as he reopens the Cobra Kai karate dojo, finding new purpose after defending his young neighbor Miguel (Xolo Maridueña, Blue Beetle) in a fight. Over the course of six seasons, the stakes get higher—and frankly, increasingly, gloriously, ludicrous—as rival martial arts schools start cropping up all over California. Alliances are forged and broken with alarming regularity, and everything gears toward a global battle for karate supremacy. It’s all a little bit tongue-in-cheek, and with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprising their 1980s roles, the show is an unabashed love letter to the classic action flicks, but thanks to some seriously impressive fights and stunt work, it’s a retro-styled delight.
One of the most joyful shows on Netflix returns for another school year of teen drama and heartfelt queer romance. In the long-awaited third season, things heat up between the central couple, with Charlie (Joe Locke) preparing to say three little words to Nick (Kit Connor) for the first time, while Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao (William Gao) try to have the perfect romantic summer before Elle starts art college. Heartstopper's return also sheds some of its earlier cloying tendencies, growing up alongside its talented young cast and giving them more serious material to work with, tackling more mature themes of sex, eating disorders, and gender dysphoria—all without losing the warmth and charm that made audiences fall in love with the show in the first place. The show younger LGBTQ+ viewers need now, older ones needed years ago, and one that everyone needs to watch, whatever their sexuality.
"Anyone can fall in love with anyone" is the opening narration to The Boyfriend, Japan's first same-sex dating show—a bold and progressive statement that reflects the shifting tide of opinion in the country. Throwing nine single men together in an idyllic beach house for a summer and charging them with running a coffee truck, the over-arching concept is to see who'll pair up, but the series is as interested in exploring the friendships that emerge between the cast as it is the romantic relationships. Unlike Western dating shows, there are no scandals, no dramatic twists, no betrayals, and the “challenges” are adorably focused on confessing feelings. The gentleness of it all adds an almost relaxing quality, with the men discussing their emotions—and the nature of being queer in Japan—earnestly. An absolutely joyful example of reality TV.
If you’re pining for more Killing Eve, then this German thriller may be the next best thing. Set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the series follows the eponymous Kleo (Jella Haase), a Stasi assassin imprisoned by her agency on false treason charges. Released after the fall of the Berlin Wall, she seeks revenge on her former handlers—but West German detective Sven (Dimitrij Schaad), the only witness to her last kill, may have something to say about that. As dark and violent as you'd expect given the period and the themes of betrayal and vengeance, Kleo is lightened by its oft-deranged sense of humor and a charismatic lead duo who brilliantly bounce off one another—chemistry that's only heightened in the second season as Kleo's pursuit of her old allies intensifies, attracting attention from international spy agencies in the aftermath of the Cold War.
Based on the Korean webcomic by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan, Sweet Home offers a very different vision of apocalyptic end times—rather than pandemics, disasters, or even zombies, this posits an end of the world brought about by people's transformation into grotesque monsters, each unique and seemingly based on their deepest desires when they were human. The first season is a masterclass in claustrophobic horror, as the residents of an isolated, run-down apartment building—chiefly suicidal teen Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang), former firefighter Seo Yi-kyung (Lee Si-young), and Pyeon Sang-wook (Lee Jin-wook), who may be a brutal gangster—battle for survival. The second and third seasons explore what remains of the wider world, delving into the true nature of both monster and man—and if there's any hope for what remains of humanity. With phenomenal effects work blending prosthetics, CGI, and even stop-motion animation for some disturbingly juddering creatures, this stands apart from the horror crowd.
Paramount+'s loss remains Netflix's gain, as the streamer's license rescue of this great Star Trek spin-off warps into its second season. After escaping a distant prison planet and becoming Starfleet cadets under the watchful eye of Star Trek Voyager's Admiral Janeway (voiced by the venerable Kate Mulgrew), the ragtag crew—led by aspiring captain Dal R'El and bolstered by astrolinguist Gwyndala, engineer Jankom Pog, energy being Zero, scientist Rok-Tahk, and indestructible, gelatinous Murf—find themselves cast through time on the most dangerous mission of their young lives. While aimed at younger audiences and intended as an intro to the wider Trek universe and its ethics, Prodigy packs in plenty for older Trekkers to appreciate, particularly with a slate of returning Star Trek legends voiced by their original actors. Prodigy is something of a sleeper hit, but one of the best Trek shows in years.
One by one, five Black Londoners awaken to strange superpowers. Struggling father Andre (Eric Kofi-Abrefa) develops superstrength, nurse Sabrina (Nadine Mills) unleashes phenomenal telekinetic might, drug dealer Rodney (Calvin Demba) races at superspeed, and wannabe gang leader Tazer (Josh Tedeku) turns invisible. But it's Michael (Tosin Cole, Doctor Who) who may be the most pivotal, realizing he can leap through time and space and learning he only has three months to save his fiancée's life. Created by Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu, Supacell is a show about superpowers, but not necessarily superheroes, with its fantastic cast offering up a far more realistic and human exploration of now-familiar ideas than anything you'll find in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And the mystery of why—and how—only Black people seem to be gaining powers builds up to a more powerful punch than an Asgardian god of thunder. A smart, modern, and refreshing take on the genre.
After suffering an improbable and humiliating death, Eleanor (Kristen Bell) finds herself in “The Good Place,” a perfect neighborhood inhabited by the world's worthiest people. The only problem? She's not meant to be there. Desperate to not be sent to “The Bad Place,” she tries to correct her behavior in the afterlife, with the help of her assigned soulmate, philosophy professor Chidi (William Jackson Harper). A twist at the end of the first season remains one of the best ever, while the show's ability to sprinkle ethical and philosophical precepts into a sitcom format is frankly astounding. With a sensational cast rounded out by Manny Jacinto, Jameela Jamil, D'Arcy Carden, and Ted Danson, The Good Place more than earns its place in the good place of TV history.
In 1960s China, at the height of the Cultural Revolution, gifted scholar Wenjie Ye witnesses her physicist father being beaten to death for his research, only for her to be recruited to a secret project relying on that same knowledge. Fast-forward to the present day, and physics is broken: Particle accelerators around the world are delivering impossible data, while scientists are being plagued by countdowns only they can see. Meanwhile, strange VR headsets appear to be transporting players to an entirely different world—and humanity’s continued existence may rely on there being no “game over.” Game of Thrones’ creators D. B. Weiss and David Benioff and True Blood executive producer Alexander Woo reimagine Chinese author Cixin Liu’s acclaimed hard sci-fi trilogy of first contact and looming interplanetary conflict as a more global affair. Wildly ambitious, and boasting an international cast featuring the likes of Benedict Wong, Rosalind Chao, Eiza González, and GOT alum John Bradley, Netflix's 3 Body Problem serves up the opening salvo in a richly detailed and staggeringly complex saga.
Perhaps best known nowadays from 1999’s The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon, novelist Patricia Highsmith’s inveterate criminal Tom Ripley has a longer, darker legacy in print and on the screen. For this limited series, creator Steven Zaillian goes back to Highsmith's original text, presenting Ridley (a never-more-sinister Andrew Scott of All of Us Strangers) as a down-on-his-luck con man in 1950s New York who is recruited by a wealthy shipbuilder to travel to Italy and persuade the businessman’s spoiled son Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) to return home. But once in Italy, Ripley finds himself enamored with Dickie's lavish lifestyle—and will do anything to take it for himself. Shot in black and white to really sell its noir credentials, this is an instant contender for the finest interpretation of Highsmith's works to date.
Ever been cut off in traffic? Ever had it happen when you’re having a really bad day? Ever just wanted to take the low road, chase the person down and make them pay?! Then—after a few deep breaths—Beef is the show for you. It's a pressure valve for every petty grievance you’ve ever suffered, following rich Amy (Ali Wong) and struggling Danny (Steven Yeun) as they escalate a road rage encounter into a vengeance-fueled quest to destroy the other. Yet Beef is more than a city-wide revenge thriller—it's a biting look at how crushing modern life can be, particularly in its LA setting, where extravagant wealth brushes up against inescapable poverty and seemingly no one is truly happy. Part dramedy, part therapy, Beef is a bad example of conflict resolution but a cathartic binge watch that clearly resonates—as evidenced by its growing clutch of awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Limited Series.
Something of a sleeper hit for years—its first two seasons debuted on AT&T's now-defunct pay TV channel Audience in 2017, before its third season appeared over on Amazon—all three seasons of this bleak comedy are now available on Netflix. Ron Livingston stars as Sam Loudermilk, a vitriolic former music critic and recovering alcoholic who proves almost pathologically incapable of holding his tongue when faced with life's small frustrations—a personality type possibly ill-suited to leading others through addiction support groups. It's dark in places, and its central character is deliberately unlikeable, but smart writing and smarter performances shape this into something of an acerbic anti-Frasier.
Adapted from the beloved graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley, animated by one of the most exciting and dynamic studios in Japan, and voiced by the entire returning cast of director Edgar Wright's 2010 live-action adaption, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off would have been cult gold even if it was a straight retelling of its eponymous slacker's battles against lover Ramona Flowers' seven evil exes. Yet somehow, in a world devoid of surprises, this packs in killer twists from the very first episode, making for a show that's as fresh and exciting as ever. Saying anything else would ruin it—just watch.
In the 17th Century, Japan enforced its "sakoku" isolationist foreign policy, effectively closing itself off from the world. Foreigners were few and far between—so when Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine) is born with blue eyes, nine months after her mother was assaulted by one of the four white men in the country, it marks her as an outsider, regarded as less than human. Years later, after being trained by a blind sword master and now masquerading as a man, Mizu hunts down those four men, knowing that killing them all is the only way to guarantee her vengeance. Exquisitely animated—which makes its unabashed violence all the more graphic—and with a phenomenal voice cast bolstered by the likes of George Takei, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Kenneth Branagh, Blue Eye Samurai is one of the best adults-only animated series on Netflix.
Netflix: License one of Japan’s best SF dramas in years. Also Netflix: Do nothing, literally nothing, to promote it, not even create an English subbed trailer. Which is where WIRED comes in—Pending Train is a show you (and Netflix) shouldn’t sleep on. When a train carriage is mysteriously transported into a post-apocalyptic future, the disparate passengers’ first concern is simply survival. Between exploring their new surroundings and clashing with people from another stranded train car over scarce resources, one group—including hairdresser Naoya, firefighter Yuto, and teacher Sae—begins to realize that there may be a reason they’ve been catapulted through time: a chance to go back and avert the disaster that ruined the world. A tense, 10-episode journey, Pending Train offers a Japanese twist on Lost, but one with tighter pacing and showrunners who actually have a clue where they want the story to go.
Mark one up for persistence: After numerous anime adaptations ranging from “awful” to “not too bad,” Netflix finally strikes gold with its live-action take on the global phenomenon One Piece. Despite fans’ fears, this spectacularly captures the charm, optimism, and glorious weirdness of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga, manifesting a fantasy world where people brandish outlandish powers and hunt for a legendary treasure in an Age of Piracy almost verbatim from the page. The perfectly cast Iñaki Godoy stars as Monkey D. Luffy, would-be King of the Pirates, bringing an almost elastic innate physicality to the role that brilliantly matches the characters rubber-based stretching powers, while the crew Luffy gathers over this first season—including swordsmaster Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), navigator and skilled thief Nami (Emily Rudd), sharpshooter Usopp (Jacob Romero Gibson), and martial artist chef Sanji (Taz Skylar)—all brilliantly embody their characters. A lot could have gone wrong bringing One Piece to life, but this is a voyage well worth taking.
Based on the comic American Jesus by writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Kingsman) and artist Peter Gross (Lucifer), The Chosen One follows 12-year-old Jodie (Bobby Luhnow), raised in Mexico by his mother Sarah (Dianna Agron). While the young boy would rather hang out with his friends, his life—and potentially the world—changes forever when he starts exhibiting miraculous powers, attracting dangerous attention from sinister forces. While this could have been yet another formulaic entry in Netflix's expansive library of supernatural teen dramas (the Stranger Things vibe is particularly strong), the decision to shoot on film and in a 4:3 aspect ratio make this a visual delight, unlike almost anything else on the streamer at present. There's an English dub, but stick to the original Spanish with English subs for a better viewing experience. (Confusingly, there's another show with the exact same title on Netflix, a 2019 Brazilian series following a trio of relief doctors in a village dominated by a cult leader—also worth a watch, but don't get them confused!)
Plus: A former top US cyber official loses her new job due to political backlash, Congress is rushing through a bill to censor lawmakers’ personal information online, and more.
Security News This Week: Google Will Use AI to Guess People’s Ages Based on Search History
Plus: A former top US cyber official loses her new job due to political backlash, Congress is rushing through a bill to censor lawmakers’ personal information online, and more.
Photo-Illustration: Wired Staff/Getty Images
Last week, the United Kingdom began requiring residents to verify their ages before accessing online pornography and other adult content, all in the name of protecting children. Almost immediately, things did not go as planned—although, they did go as expected.
As experts predicted, UK residents began downloading virtual private networks (VPNs) en masse, allowing them to circumvent age verification, which can require users to upload their government IDs, by making it look like they’re in a different country. The UK’s Online Safety Act is just one part of a wave of age-verification efforts around the world. And while these laws may keep some kids from accessing adult content, some experts warn that they also create security and privacy risks for everyone.
And that’s not all. Each week, we round up the security and privacy news we didn’t cover in depth ourselves. Click the headlines to read the full stories. And stay safe out there.
Google is rolling out an AI-powered age-estimation system to apply content protections to Search and YouTube, even for users who haven’t provided their age. The system is launching in the EU, where digital safety regulations mandate that platforms take steps to protect minors from potentially harmful content.
Instead of relying solely on user-input data, Google says it will infer age using a “variety of signals” and other metadata to determine if a user should be shown restricted results. Privacy advocates say the move risks inaccuracies and raises questions about transparency and consent.
Google claims the changes align with regulatory expectations and will help protect younger users from inappropriate content. Still, the idea that platforms can algorithmically infer personal traits like age—and restrict content based solely on those assumptions—adds a new wrinkle to long-standing debates over moderation, censorship, and digital privacy.
Just 24 hours after naming Jen Easterly as West Point’s Distinguished Chair in Social Sciences, the Army rescinded the appointment following far-right criticism. The former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) director and academy alum had been lauded for her decades of service. But backlash erupted online after activist Laura Loomer claimed Easterly had ties to the Biden-era Disinformation Governance Board.
Nina Jankowicz, who served as executive director of the board, denied having worked with Easterly in a post on BlueSky, calling the episode yet another example of how we’re all living in “the stupidest timeline.”
Nevertheless, Army secretary Dan Driscoll canceled Easterly’s contract and ordered a full review of West Point’s hiring policies. The Army also suspended the practice of allowing outside groups to help select faculty. The reversal marks the second high-profile clash involving former CISA leaders and political pressure following Donald Trump’s revocation of Chris Krebs’ security clearance earlier this year.
A bipartisan bill from US senators Amy Klobuchar and Ted Cruz could let lawmakers demand the removal of online posts showing their home addresses or travel plans, Rolling Stone reports. The proposal, which could pass by unanimous consent, is framed as a response to growing threats against public officials—especially after the assassination of Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman last month.
Watchdogs joined dozens of media outlets in warning that the bill could chill reporting and enable selective censorship. While the legislation includes a nominal exemption for journalists, critics say it remains vague enough to allow members of Congress to sue outlets or demand takedowns of legitimate news stories.
“The Cruz-Klobuchar bill would not provide [lawmakers] the protection they seek but would create a powerful new tool that would result in censorship of public discussion and press accountability for their actions,” Daniel Schuman of the American Governance Institute told Rolling Stone. He urged Congress to go “back to the drawing board” and try crafting a bill that protects all Americans’ privacy “without undermining accountability for public officials.”
An alarming vulnerability in Google’s Refresh Outdated Content tool allowed bad actors to selectively scrub individual URLs from search results, 404 Media reports. And there was no hacking required. Journalist Jack Poulson discovered the bug when two of his investigative pieces, including one about a tech CEO’s domestic violence arrest, vanished from Google, even when searched by exact title in quotes.
The exploit involved repeatedly submitting URLs with minor capitalization tweaks. This reportedly confused Google’s indexing engine, which responded by de-listing not just the altered URLs but the original live articles too. Google confirmed the flaw and quietly rolled out a fix, saying it impacted only a “tiny fraction of web pages.”
Free press advocates warn the vulnerability could’ve enabled targeted, silent censorship, especially by powerful actors using reputation management tactics. “If your article doesn’t appear in Google search results,” Poulson said, “in many ways it just doesn’t exist.”
The 11 Best Coolers We’ve Tested for Every Kind of Adventure
We tested coolers on camping trips, road trips, beach days, and at parties to bring you our favorite models for every situation.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
We've been hunting down the best coolers for years. Whether you're heading out for an evening picnic, a weekend adventure, or a weeklong overlanding trip, you need to chill—your food and drinks, that is. There's a wealth of options these days, from little soft-sided coolers perfect for a day trip to heavy-duty, high-performance wheeled coolers with ice retention times that seem to defy the sun—like our top pick, the Yeti Tundra Haul ($450).
Cooler manufacturers aren't necessarily lying about how long ice will last in their coolers, but they are testing under ideal conditions that are never going to exist in the real world. We've been testing coolers for more than four years now, and we've stored them under the sun, in bike trailers, and in cars, all while trying to keep food and drinks cool and edible. Below, you'll find our top picks for each category, as well as a few alternatives, plus general buying tips if none of these capture your fancy.
From barbecues to beaches, this cooler has become ubiquitous, and for good reason. It's expensive and heavy, but Yeti's rotomolded Tundra Haul is built like a tank with 3-inch-thick insulated walls, a heavy aluminum arm, and puncture-proof, one-piece wheels. When it's full, you'll need two people to lift it into the trunk of a (very big) car. The Haul kept ice frozen for six days in blazing 90-degree heat while stored in direct sunlight on my colleague Adrienne's deck. I've managed to get five days out of it in the insane humidity of Florida in the spring. If you can afford it, a Yeti hard-sided cooler is the best cooler around. —Scott Gilbertson
Capacity
82 cans or 64 pounds of ice (55 quarts)
Weight
37 pounds
Dimensions
18.63" D x 28.25" W x 19.5" H
Available Colors
5 (plus more limited-edition)
Molding Type
Rotomolded
Additional Features
Wheels, handle, drain plug, tie-down slots, replaceable parts. Bear-resistant (and bear-proof with the right locks)
RTIC is known as the slightly cheaper competitor to Yeti, offering basically the same rotomolded performance at a significant savings—it depends on the product and size, but they're typically 20 to 40 percent cheaper. I've actually come to prefer this 45-quart cooler over my old Yeti 65. First, it's the right size. A Yeti 45 is 34 quarts, which is a little small for a weeklong trip with four people, whereas the RTIC 45 is a true 45 quarts, with enough room for a gallon of milk, a case of beer, and a little fruit.
This model weighs 30 pounds empty, thanks to its closed-cell foam core, but the padded handles make it easy enough to carry even when loaded. It will still fit comfortably in a sedan, whereas if you jump up to the Yeti 65, it won't. Second, I've had no problems with a leaky drain plug on the RTIC one, whereas I eventually gave up on the Yeti cooler and used J-B Weld silicone sealant to stop the drip. The Vader-esque black is perhaps not the most efficient color for a cooler, but it resists stains. I've had no issues with ice retention. —Martin Cizmar
I have had a version of this basic Igloo cooler for more than a decade, and it has withstood the test of time. The wheels haven't gotten damaged, although I have somehow managed to break the handle. It's easy to rinse out and light enough to carry easily when it's empty. This is a great option if you'd like to use a cheaper cooler to store snacks and drinks, so you don't have to constantly open your premium cooler that's keeping your meat, milk, and freshly caught fish ice-cold. —Adrienne So
Yeti's Roadie 32 is a relatively new option that's great for family day trips and might even get a couple through the weekend if you're good at cooler-packing Tetris. If the Tundra above is too much, the Roadie makes a good alternative. It's just tall enough to fit 2-liter bottles upright (also most standard-size wine bottles). The telescoping handle (Yeti calls it a periscope handle—potato, potahto) makes it super portable, just like wheeling around a suitcase, though it only locks when fully extended. If you're shorter, you'll have to tilt the cooler more to comfortably roll it. I had no trouble opening the quick-latch handles one-handed.
Filled two-thirds full of ice (Yeti's general recommendation) and stored in the shade with temps ranging from 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, everything was still plenty cold at the end of two days. If you're like me and don't usually put that much ice in, expect to get a little less out of your ice, but it's still one of the longest-lasting coolers we've tried. In short, all the features we love about Yeti are here in a smaller, slightly different form factor. My only gripe is that, when fully loaded, the wheels struggle in fine sand. —Scott Gilbertson
Pelican has been known for durable, waterproof cases since 1976, and its Elite series is no exception. The larger sizes—the 70QT, 45QW (“W" denotes the wheeled versions), and 80QW—are rotomolded, but I enjoyed taking the injection-molded 20QT on weekend trips with my family. It's tall and narrow, and its small footprint means that it fit easily into a pull-wagon and my car's back seat. Four cupholders with drains means it can double as a small drink table at the beach, and I also liked the nonskid, raised rubber feet. Ice stayed frozen for two days while being driven in a car and stored outside in 80-degree heat. —Scott Gilbertson
These bucket-shaped coolers are made to fit on the front of Bote paddleboards like the Aero Breeze (7/10, WIRED Recommends). That said, it doesn't have to be on a paddleboard at all. Its circular shape helps it fit in all sorts of places other coolers can't. It's rugged, and the handle makes it easier to carry. The tie-down points mean you can attach it to anything. I've had it on paddleboards and in canoes, but I've also seen it doing fine while strapped to the back of a Jet Ski.
★ Alternative: Depending on your watercraft, the Yeti Hopper Flip 12 ($250) might be a better fit. I like this Yeti for the wide mouth and heavy zipper that never sticks. It's free-standing, and at 14.25 inches wide, it's the perfect size for bungeeing to the top of a paddleboard or bike rack. It has both a grab handle on top and a shoulder strap, which provide plenty of points to carabiner a small dry bag or pair of flip-flops. —Scott Gilbertson
Capacity
5 gallons
Weight
13 pounds
Dimensions
16.75″ W × 14.25″ H
Available Colors
6
Molding Type
Rotomolded
Additional Features
Wheels, handle, drain plug, tie-downs, bottle opener, magnetic lid compatible with accessories
I've been using a version of this cooler for a few summers. It's a go-to for festivals and camping trips because it's so lightweight. I like that it's made with recycled materials, and I love that it has multiple pockets so I have a place to stash things like picnic utensils, wet wipes, napkins, or dry goods. The straps are padded and I haven't noticed any leaking, so long as you make sure the zippers are properly closed. It also has a chest clip in case you decide to cram it to its maximum capacity of 24 cans, though it gets a little heavy if you decide to go that route. It easily keeps ice for 18 hours or so—less in direct sunlight or if you open it frequently. It's a very good option for day trips.
This cooler has a built-in drawer for dry storage. It's nice for storing foods you want to keep separated from any potential ice water mishaps. The drawer stays nice and cold, and it doesn't need to be filled with ice. Make sure to lock the drawer when transporting the cooler to keep your stuff in place. I also like the cooler's locking handle and the big, chunky wheels that make it easy to maneuver even though the cooler is on the heavier side.
My only real complaint is with the drain plug, which is placed between the two wheels. The inner compartment has a recessed area near the drain hole, and to fully drain it, you need to tilt the cooler up. It's not too big of a deal, but can be annoying if you don't want everything inside to shift around. I also wish the handle were telescoping, since it can feel a tad short when trying to pull it around. All in all though, I'd recommend it. The 45-quart version kept ice for three days during my summer testing. We also tested the non-wheeled version of this cooler, which has a larger divided drawer, and liked it a lot.
Double-walled vacuum insulation is how your iced coffee stays cold in a travel mug, but it's normally structurally stable only in a cylindrical shape. The Norwegian company Oyster figured out how to transfer this technology to a rectangular cooler. The Tempo’s aluminum body is so efficient at temperature retention that it can keep food and drinks just as cold as a plastic or foam cooler can, while using less than half as much ice. The design also gives the Tempo very thin walls; the sides are only about an inch thick, which is about half as thick as the walls of most plastic coolers. This makes the Tempo more compact, and gives it an interior that’s much larger than you think it’s going to be when you open it. The lid clamps down with two brackets. You can undo them both to lift the lid entirely off, or (in a clever design touch) undo just one bracket so the other can serve as a hinge. The handle snaps on and can be removed entirely or replaced with a strap.
The 5-gallon capacity is enough for a half-gallon of milk, a couple of quart containers of pasta salad, a six-pack of cans, some loose produce, and a couple of cold packs. If you stay on a liquid diet while vacationing, it holds 36 cans of whatever you’re drinking. It costs $500, which is a few hundred dollars more than most anyone wants to spend on a cooler. But if you want something compact and powerful and don’t mind paying through the nose to get it, just know that the Tempo performs well enough to earn its price tag. After a Tempo packed tightly with perishables and two freezer packs spent five hours in the backseat of a car and three hours on the floor of a cabin, a can of Spindrift soda still felt and tasted as cold as if it had spent that whole time in the fridge. —Michael Calore
Igloo says the Party Bar was inspired by the outdoor beer chests found at a traditional Texas ice house (a type of casual indoor-outdoor beer joint, for those not familiar), and indeed, it practically screams summer party time. To be sure, it is a good time—so long as your party isn’t too long and the cooler is not in direct sun. Holding about four six-packs of 12-ounce bottles or up to 158 12-ounce cans with its two dividers and removable caddy, the Party Bar is basically a giant insulated tub that sits on a dolly with lockable casters. There's also a bottle opener and catch cup on the front. It's not a cooler in the traditional sense—the lid is translucent and sits loosely on the tub's lip, so heat does get in. Copious online reviews complain about the lid arriving warped and not fitting properly, and this was also the case with my test unit at first, but after a few weeks outside in summer sun, the lid did straighten itself out and settle into place.
During my initial test in direct sunlight on an 80-degree Fahrenheit day, a bag of ice emptied into the Party Bar melted almost completely in just under five hours, but the drain plug on the side and ability to lift the tub off the dolly made it very easy to clean. This is more of a festive receptacle than a traditional cooler, so I wouldn't take it camping or anywhere you need to keep food or drinks cold for an entire day. However, if you have a covered area and need a cool-looking station for many drinks, this is one of the largest-capacity and easiest-to-use options on the market. —Kat Merck
Capacity
125 quarts/158 cans
Weight
34 pounds
Dimensions
39.1" L x 21.8" W x 26.9" H
Available Colors
4
Molding Type
Injection
Additional Features
Dividers, removable base, bottle opener and catch bin, locking wheels, side handles.
Most people probably do not need an electric cooler. For the price of most electric coolers, you can buy at least two large Yetis. When my family and I moved into our RV years ago, even we used an ice box. It worked great for well over a year. Eventually though, we decided to join the modern world again with some refrigeration and this Engle has been humming away ever since.
We use it chiefly as a freezer, though it works great (and draws less power) as a fridge. It keeps everything cold and Engle's customer support is among the best I've ever encountered. Once, a short in our electrical system killed the DC motor (my fault, not the cooler's), and Engle's support team walked me though troubleshooting everything with a multimeter, spending hours on the phone to make sure I figured out the issue. —Scott Gilbertson
Other Electric Coolers:
Dometic CFX3 45 for $850: Past reviewers at WIRED have given this Dometic high marks for its efficiency and low power draw. One nice feature of the Dometic is that it includes a three-stage monitoring system that will cut the cooler off from your car's battery if it drains it too low—handy if you don't have a dedicated battery to power it.
Capacity
16 quarts
Weight
39 pounds
Dimensions
21.2" L x 12" W x 14.2" H
Available Colors
1
Molding Type
N/A
Additional Features
Electricity! Quiet. Efficient. Can be a fridge or freezer.
Warranty
3 years
Wired/Tired
Wired
Works well
Durable
Helpful customer service
Tired
Overkill for most people
Others We Tested
Photograph: Simon Hill
Anker Solix EverFrost 2 for $649: Anker’s Solix EverFrost 2 electric cooler comes in three sizes (24, 42, or 61 quarts) and has wheels, a handle, and a wee fold-out shelf to sit drinks on. The largest model has two separate cooler sections (you can have a fridge and freezer). Since there’s no need for ice, you can make full use of the space. It’s quick to cool, giving you drinkable beer in 20 minutes. The removable 288 Wh battery is good for around 52 hours for the 42-quart model, but you can add a second battery ($250) to extend that to 4.3 days. Anker makes some of our favorite power banks and power stations, so I’m not surprised its Solix EverFrost 2 cooler doubles up as a charger for your gadgets, though that will eat into your battery life. You can recharge the cooler battery via a wall outlet, car socket, solar panels, or USB-C. Paired with a 100-watt solar panel, this could be a great way to go off-grid (you’ll need around four hours of sunshine a day minimum to keep it running). On the downside, the Solix EverFrost 2 can also run out of power fairly quickly, depending on how warm it is and how often you open it. Because of the battery, these coolers are heavy. The 42-quart model is 51 pounds empty, so you’ll want help lifting it in and out of your car when fully loaded, though the handy wheels make it easy to maneuver on the ground. It can also be a little noisy, which might be annoying if you’re sleeping in a tent with it. —Simon Hill
How to Buy a Cooler
The first thing to consider when buying a cooler is how you're going to use it. If you aren't heading out for days at a time, you probably don't need an expensive high-end cooler. All the coolers we've recommend above are capable of holding things at a safe temperature for a day, provided you keep them in the shade. Similarly, if you're navigating rugged terrain, you might want beefy wheels—and if you're just going to the beach, you might not need them.
Hard-sided coolers: These range from the old green Coleman coolers—once a staple of every camping trip—to Yetis, which cost as much as cars did when Coleman started making coolers. You might wonder why the Yetis are so expensive. That I can't answer, but Yeti did upend the cooler industry by introducing rotational molding, or “rotomolding,” where melted plastic is molded over foam insulation in one piece. Rotomolded coolers offer seamless, uniform density in their walls and lids, which drastically improves a cooler's performance. In contrast, those ancient, affordable plastic coolers we've all used have thinner walls, leaky seams, and less insulated lids. Whether you need the extra insulation depends on what you're doing and how hot it is when you're doing it. Want to learn more? Our In-House Know-It-All has a more thorough insulation explanation.
Hard-sided coolers generally have the luxury features you want, like leakproof lids and drain plugs, and some are even bear-resistant (check this list of bear-proof products if you're headed into ursine country). The downside is that these coolers are generally huge and heavy.
Soft-sided coolers: Soft-sided coolers include everything from well-padded, impressively insulated sling bags (like the Yeti Hopper Flip above) to roll-down, dry-bag-style coolers perfect for those mild beach days. The best soft coolers are easier to carry, pack away easily when not in use, and have a versatility that traditional hard coolers lack. (I have used dry-bag-style coolers as, well, dry bags.) Ice doesn't last as long, but for short outings where you don't need a large cooler, these are what we recommend.
Electric coolers: Sure, they're not necessary, but if you're headed out on longer adventures and have access to power, you'll never have to worry about your ice melting.
Other Features to Look For:
Drain plug: This greatly simplifies life by making it easy to drain the water out of your cooler. If you're buying a large cooler, make sure it has one of these.
Divider: One of our top tips for long-term cooler use is to have two coolers: One you treat as a fridge and hardly ever open, and another for drinks. If that's not possible, you can achieve some of the same by getting a cooler with a dividing wall in it. That way you can pack one side tightly with ice to keep that meat at a low temp, and use the other side for chilling beverages with cubed ice.
Wheels: Coolers get heavy and wheels are awesome. They won't always work (good luck wheeling your cooler over tree roots), but when they do, they are completely worth it.
Cooler Tips
If you're storing your cooler in a 160-degree-Fahrenheit car trunk, no rotomolded wall or freezer gasket will keep ice from melting. But if you want to maximize your cooling time like the pros, we do have a few tips.
Pre-chill your cooler: Pack it with ice a few hours before packing, so your cooler starts out the trip freezing cold.
Keep two separate coolers: One that you open infrequently to hold perishables like meat and cheese, and one for snacks and drinks that you open more frequently.
Pack strategically: Put larger items and ice packs at the bottom to keep any small chunks of ice cooler for longer.
Block it: Block ice is more efficient for long-term cooling because it has less surface area to mass. Use a block or two to either to supplement your cubed ice or as a replacement for it entirely.
How We Tested and What’s Up Next
We tested coolers by using them during camping trips, road trips, beach days, tailgating parties, and (in one unfortunate instance) as a replacement for a broken refrigerator. We are currently re-testing picks with a new protocol. Up next, we're checking out patio coolers, electric coolers, disposable coolers, and backpack coolers from Igloo, Dometic, Coleman, and other brands.
Louryn Strampe is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED covering beauty, home goods, and gifts. During her five-year tenure at WIRED and throughout her 12-year career, she has written about everything from food to sleep to video games. She previously wrote for Future PLC and Rakuten. She resides in ... Read More
Gear News of the Week: Insta360 Debuts a Drone Company, and DJI Surprises With an 8K 360 Camera
Plus: Netgear has an affordable Wi-Fi 7 mesh system, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold series is a hit, and Google’s Pixel 10 leaks heat up.
Courtesy of Antigravity
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
The 360 camera company Insta360 has entered the drone market with a spin-off brand called Antigravity. This new company hasn't released a drone yet, but it's coming soon and will likely have a slightly different take from current market leaders like DJI. Antigravity's drone is expected to feature 360 cameras with 8K resolution. It will also fall under the 250-gram weight limit, meaning it won't require a license.
The 360-degree camera makes sense from the company that makes our favorite 360 camera, though the usefulness of shooting straight up into the drone is questionable. Think of it as a 360 camera with about 260 degrees of usable footage. This isn't a new idea. There are mounts to attach Insta360's X5 camera to drones, but it's awkward to take off and land such pairings, something Antigravity's drone will likely simplify.
Antigravity's new drone should arrive later this month. We'll have a full review once we've had time to test it out. —Scott Gilbertson
Ironically, as Insta360 encroaches on DJI's drone supremacy, DJI is wading into the world of 360 cameras with its first-ever Osmo 360. It can capture 8K video at 50 frames per second, slightly outpacing Insta360's X5 camera, which shoots 8K at 30 fps. The Osmo employs a square 1-inch HDR sensor, can connect directly to DJI's wireless microphones using OsmoAudio, and maintains the Osmo Magnetic Quick-Release system for quick mounting.
More interestingly, DJI claims the Osmo 360 can shoot 8K video at 30 fps for 100 minutes, which is a full 20 minutes longer than the Insta360 X5. It also only weighs 183 grams, 17 grams lighter than its top competitor. You can shoot with just a single lens at 4K 120 fps, and you can switch between the front and rear lens without pressing pause.
The first wave of Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems was seriously expensive, but they’ve been getting steadily more affordable. Netgear’s latest release is the Orbi 370 Series, an entry-level, dual-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh. While you only get the familiar 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands, not the 6-GHz band, you do get some of the other advantages of Wi-Fi 7, including enhanced security, lower latency, and multi-link operation (MLO), enabling you to connect on both bands simultaneously. MLO works for backhaul, too, which is the traffic between the main router and nodes.
The 370 has the same vase-like design as the rest of the Orbi line, but these mesh units are a bit smaller. The main Orbi 370 router has two-2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, while the nodes have a single 2.5-Gbps port apiece. This system is suitable for folks with limited devices and internet connections up to 1 Gbps. I’m a big fan of the next system up, the Netgear Orbi 770 Series, and that’s what I recommend for families. Like with every other Orbi system, you can subscribe to Netgear Armor ($100/year) for enhanced security and add VPN and ad-blocking for an extra $50 and Smart Parental Controls ($70/year), but you don’t need to.
It's been a week since Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 hit the market, and the company has shared some interesting sales figures. Chiefly, Samsung claims the Galaxy Z Fold7 received “the most preorders in Z Fold history in the US.”
Both devices also saw more than a 25 percent increase in preorders over the Galaxy Z Fold6 series, and carrier stores in the US claim a nearly 60 percent jump for both phones over the 2024 models. It's not just preorders either—Samsung says momentum for both Fold and Flip orders are outpacing the prior generation by 25 percent. Interestingly, Samsung says while black is the typical color of choice for its Fold consumers, this time around, its new Blue Shadow color ate up nearly half of all preorders.
The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 series saw some of the biggest changes to the hardware in a few years. The Fold7 debuted an incredibly slim frame, making it lightweight and easy to hold, and the Flip7 bumped the screen size for the cover screen to make it more useful. The primary camera on the Fold7 also sports 200 megapixels, finally matching the quality available on Samsung's flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra.
While the market is still small, especially in the US, where there are fewer players, Google is expected to debut its third-gen folding phone at an event in August, and Apple is rumored to be launching a folding iPhone in September 2026.
Google Pixel 10 Leaks Heat Up
Courtesy of Evleaks
Google will be unwrapping its shiny new Pixel hardware at an event in Brooklyn, New York City, on August 20. But many of the details have already been spoiled. We're expecting four phones—Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold—the Pixel Watch 4, and new Pixel Buds wireless earbuds. The latest leak this week comes from Android Headlines, and there's good news: Prices appear to be the same as last year's Pixel 9 series. The only change is for the Pixel 10 Pro XL at $1,199—Google seems to be getting rid of the 128-GB version, so it'll be more expensive, though technically it'll cost the same as the 256-GB version of its predecessor.
There's also potentially confirmation via a leaked image that the Pixel 10 series will feature magnets built into the phone itself, enabling Qi2 wireless charging. The Qi2 standard is akin to Apple’s MagSafe system, which uses magnets to align phones to chargers for more efficient and faster wireless charging. The standard has been a bit of a mess, though, as Android phone companies have been slow to adopt Qi2. Samsung’s 2025 flagships, for example, are Qi2 Ready, which means there are no magnets baked into the phones, but they can hit Qi2 charging speeds if you use a Qi2 Ready case with magnets. A half-measure.
Noted leaker evleaks released several spec details about the phones along with an image of a Pixel 10 and a wireless charging puck attached to it, much like Apple's MagSafe wireless charger. Considering there doesn't seem to be a case on the Pixel 10 in the render, this suggests that magnets are built in. That would make the Pixel 10 series the first mainstream Android phones with MagSafe-like capabilities. (HMD’s Skyline was technically the first Qi2 Android phone.)
OpenAI lost access to the Claude API this week after Anthropic claimed the company was violating its terms of service.
Photo-Illustration: Wired Staff/Getty Images
Anthropic revoked OpenAI’s API access to its models on Tuesday, multiple sources familiar with the matter tell WIRED. OpenAI was informed that its access was cut off due to violating the terms of service.
“Claude Code has become the go-to choice for coders everywhere, and so it was no surprise to learn OpenAI's own technical staff were also using our coding tools ahead of the launch of GPT-5,” Anthropic spokesperson Christopher Nulty said in a statement to WIRED. “Unfortunately, this is a direct violation of our terms of service.”
According to Anthropic’s commercial terms of service, customers are barred from using the service to “build a competing product or service, including to train competing AI models” or “reverse engineer or duplicate” the services. This change in OpenAI’s access to Claude comes as the ChatGPT-maker is reportedly preparing to release a new AI model, GPT-5, which is rumored to be better at coding.
OpenAI was plugging Claude into its own internal tools using special developer access (APIs), instead of using the regular chat interface, according to sources. This allowed the company to run tests to evaluate Claude’s capabilities in things like coding and creative writing against its own AI models, and check how Claude responded to safety-related prompts involving categories like CSAM, self-harm, and defamation, the sources say. The results help OpenAI compare its own models’ behavior under similar conditions and make adjustments as needed.
“It’s industry standard to evaluate other AI systems to benchmark progress and improve safety. While we respect Anthropic’s decision to cut off our API access, it’s disappointing considering our API remains available to them,” OpenAI’s chief communications officer Hannah Wong said in a statement to WIRED.
Nulty says that Anthropic will “continue to ensure OpenAI has API access for the purposes of benchmarking and safety evaluations as is standard practice across the industry.” The company did not respond to WIRED’s request for clarification on if and how OpenAI's current Claude API restriction would impact this work.
Top tech companies yanking API access from competitors has been a tactic in the tech industry for years. Facebook did the same to Twitter-owned Vine (which led to allegations of anticompetitive behavior) and last month Salesforce restricted competitors from accessing certain data through the Slack API. This isn’t even a first for Anthropic. Last month, the company restricted the AI coding startup Windsurf’s direct access to its models after it was rumored OpenAI was set to acquire it. (That deal fell through).
Anthropic’s chief science officer Jared Kaplan spoke to TechCrunch at the time about revoking Windsurf’s access to Claude, saying, “I think it would be odd for us to be selling Claude to OpenAI.”
A Miami jury has ordered the automaker to pay up to $243 million after finding that the Tesla vehicle had a “defect.” It's the first time Tesla has been found liable in an Autopilot-related crash.
A Miami jury has ordered the automaker to pay up to $243 million after finding that the Tesla vehicle had a “defect.” It's the first time Tesla has been found liable in an Autopilot-related crash.
Photograph: Alex Martin/Getty Images
A Miami jury found Tesla partially liable Friday in a 2019 crash that killed one person and injured another—all while the driver of the Model S used the automaker’s Autopilot driver assistance feature.
The jury found Tesla liable for $200 million in punitive damages, plus an additional $43 million in compensatory damages. (Because of state laws, the company will likely end up paying less.) A jury found the automaker one-third responsible for the crash; it found the driver of the Tesla, who settled with the plaintiffs and testified during the trial, responsible for the other two-thirds.
In a written statement, Tesla spokesperson Jeff McAndrews, said that the “verdict is wrong.” Citing “substantial errors of law and irregularities at trial,” he said Tesla would appeal.
The lawsuit stemmed from a 2019 crash in the Florida Keys in which the driver of a Tesla Model S in Autopilot mode allegedly came to a T-intersection and, failing to see that the roadway was ending, kept his foot on the accelerator; the car slammed into a parked vehicle and two people standing nearby. One of the pedestrians, 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon, was killed; her boyfriend, 26-year-old Dillon Angulo, was seriously injured.
Tesla’s lawyers argued that the Model S was not defective and alleged that the driver of the Tesla was fishing for his cell phone at the time of the crash and so was solely responsible.
Tesla’s Autopilot feature has been blamed in dozens of crashes, but this is the first time the company has been found liable for an Autopilot-related crash. The company was found not liable in 2023 for two fatal California crashes. And it has settled several lawsuits out of court, including one involving a high-profile 2018 crash that killed the driver of a Model X in Silicon Valley. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pushed Tesla to issue a major Autopilot-related recall after the US roadway safety agency spent two years investigating fatal Autopilot crashes and raised concerns about the system encouraging driver inattention.
Separately, Tesla faced a California administrative hearing last month after the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles sued the carmaker, alleging that it misled customers about the limits of Autopilot and its newer and more advanced feature, Full Self-Driving (Supervised). The hearing, which an administrative judge is due to resolve later this year, could result in Tesla losing its license to sell and manufacture vehicles in California for up to 30 days.
During the three-week Miami trial, lawyers representing the plaintiffs argued that Tesla and CEO Elon Musk created false expectations among drivers about Autopilot’s capabilities. Lead attorney Brett Schreiber cited a 2016 press conference in which Musk said Tesla’s vision system meant its cars “should not hit” anything—even “an alien spaceship, a pile of junk metal that fell off the back of a truck.”
Despite the marketing, Tesla manuals maintain that drivers need to stay alert while using Autopilot and be ready to take over driving at a moment’s notice. Tesla added more “nags” to its system following the 2023 recall that require drivers to pay closer attention to the road, and suspends access to Autopilot if the system detects too much inattention. (After testing, Consumer Reports has questioned whether these fixes solve driver inattention.)
“Tesla chose to put its enhanced Autopilot technology on the roadways of this community knowing full well that the leading government agencies for transportation safety in this country … had been telling Tesla for years to make its product safer,” Schreiber said in his opening statement. “For years before this crash and for years after this crash, Tesla ignored those warnings.”
On today’s episode of Uncanny Valley, our senior business editor joins us to talk Meta, brain aging, and ChatGPT’s recent dark turn.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, at a conference in July.Photo-Illustration: WIRED Staff; Photograph: Al Drago/Getty Images
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
On today’s episode, our host Zoë Schiffer is joined by WIRED’s senior business editor Louise Matsakis to run through five of the most important stories we published this week, from Meta continuing its AI talent poaching spree to how much faster our brains have aged since the pandemic. Afterward, they dive into the surprising reason ChatGPT reportedly went full demon mode last week.
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Transcript
Note: This is an automated transcript, which may contain errors.
Zoë Schiffer: Hey, this is Zoë. Before we start, I want to tell you about the new WIRED subscription program. If you're already a subscriber, thank you so much for supporting us. If you haven't signed up yet, this is a great time to do so. You'll have access to newsletters with exclusive analysis from WIRED reporters and access to Live stream AMAs where you can ask your most pressing questions. Head over to WIRED.com to learn more.
Welcome to WIRED's Uncanny Valley. I'm Zoë Schiffer, WIRED's, director of Business and Industry. Today on the show, we're bringing you five stories that you need to know about this week and later we'll dive into our main segment on how AI chatbots like ChatGPT tend to ignore the context of the information they're absorbing. This has led some chatbots into very, very strange places like suggesting demonic rituals to users. I'm joined today by WIRED's Senior Business Editor, Louise Matsakis. Louise, welcome to Uncanny Valley.
Louise Matsakis: Hi Zoë.
Zoë Schiffer: So our first story is one that you and I have been pretty deep in on. It's about the AI talent wars. Mark Zuckerberg and Meta have lagged behind most of their smaller and equal sized competitors in the AI race, and lately Mark has been going kind of all out to recruit top researchers from competitive labs and kind of bring them over to Meta by offering wildly high salaries. We're talking like reportedly over $300 million over four years, although Meta has disputed these numbers. But this week we noticed that he'd set his sights on a smaller lab and that is Thinking Machines.
Louise Matsakis: Yeah, so Thinking Machines is the startup founded by Mira Murati, who's the former Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI. And I think it's notable here that there is no product at this startup yet. The startup has done nothing thus far, and the people who work there are already getting offered hundreds of millions of dollars.
Zoë Schiffer: Louise, that is not an issue in AI. I feel like this is a field where the narrative matters a lot, but these researchers are obviously extremely valuable. One thing that I heard from sources when we were reporting this out was that they've been going through the process with Meta almost to test their market value. Even if they're not serious about joining Meta, it's like, "Well, how much am I worth?" And the answer is hundreds of millions of dollars in some cases.
Louise Matsakis: I honestly don't understand how these calculations are being made and I don't get what makes one of these researchers worth 300 million versus 500 million? How much of it is them negotiating? And I think it violates a lot of the things that I thought I knew about how AI innovation happens. It's often a group of really passionate people, they're often pretty young. A lot of the most famous papers were written by people who are under the age of 25 or at least under the age of 30. And so now I'm just kind of like, I don't know, you published one hot paper and now you're worth 500 million.
Zoë Schiffer: Yeah, I talked to someone who was pretty intimately involved and they were like, "Look, on paper, we're allowed to offer this much. But the reality is when you're talking about an AI researcher at this point in time, the sky is the limit. There's literally nothing we cannot offer them." I mean, it's so interesting. I do feel like what you're saying makes sense on the individual level. It's just totally baffling. You're like, how could this 23, 24-year-old possibly be worth this much? But I think if I had to put myself in Mark Zuckerberg's shoes, this is an existential crisis for the company. He perhaps feels that Meta is being totally left behind and that the company, even though it's making all of this money, even though its other products are wildly successful usage in some areas is on the decline. There's only so far you can go with stuffing more ads in the existing product pipeline. And so what wouldn't you do to ensure that your company can stay on the cutting edge?
Louise Matsakis: Totally. I guess I think the strategy is just kind of backwards. I guess I'd rather hedge my bets and hire 600 new PhDs for a million dollars a year or $500,000 a year. Maybe that's not enough these days. Maybe that's not possible, but give them $10 million a year and see where they go versus getting these big stars. I think it just comes across as very desperate and trying to reverse engineer something that I'm not sure you can reverse engineer.
Zoë Schiffer: No, for sure. I mean, that is completely the strategy. Our latest round of reporting showed that in some cases top, top researchers, and it's worth saying this isn't the number that's being thrown around for everyone by any means, but was more than a billion dollars. And that's over a multi, multi-year span. So it's not to say you're getting that upfront by any stretch of the imagination, but still, I mean, that's just generational wealth that is being promised. And some of the other offers were between 200 million and 500 million, but so far at Thinking Machines at least, not a single person appears to have taken one of these offers, which is kind of fascinating.
Louise Matsakis: Yeah, I think it sort of shows that at a certain level, these numbers become meaningless. If you're going to make $100 million versus 200 million, I'd rather be happy and probably doing something that I want to do because money can't really buy much above that unless you're super into super yachts, I guess.
Zoë Schiffer: Planes.
Louise Matsakis: Yeah, so I think it maybe says something about the culture at Meta and do you think there are specific things that are giving people trepidation or is it just people are loyal to Mira and these other startup founders?
Zoë Schiffer: I think the loyalty is a big thing. People who believe in Mira seem to really, really believe in her, and that seems obviously true from investors as well as employees. But I've heard two things with Meta that really stuck out to me. One is that Mark Zuckerberg recruited Alexandr Wang, who's the co-founder of Scale AI, which is kind of a data labeling startup to lead or co-lead the new Meta Superintelligence labs. And people have very polarizing views on Alexandr. Some people obviously do want to work for him and have gone over to Meta. A lot of people have told me they're not interested for various reasons. So that's one thing I'll just put out there. The other, and I haven't fully reported this out, but I've heard it enough times that it seems just worth saying is that some people feel like Mark Zuckerberg's rightward turn and hyper-masculinity bent that he seems to be on has been a turn-off for more of the academic quiet researcher types.
Louise Matsakis: I mean, I think that that makes a lot of sense. He also doesn't have a background in academia or in research. I don't think he necessarily understands the incentives of a place like that. And it's also probably worth just saying that Alexandr is I think 27 and that the AI data labeling industry is kind of regarded as the underbelly of this industry. So I think that maybe that's also part of it is like, do we really want to work for the guy who's like best known for having an army of underpaid people around the world who are labeling pictures for self-driving cars?
Zoë Schiffer: Totally. OK. So shifting gears to a story that many of us I think can relate to. A new scientific study published this month in the Nature Communications Journal shows the pandemic may have accelerated brain aging even for people who never got COVID, which is wild. WIRED contributor, Javier Carbajal reported that the study's researchers based in the UK compared a ton of MRI brain scans from before and after the pandemic, and they found that the difference between our chronological and actual brain age is about five and a half months higher after the pandemic.
Louise Matsakis: Oh my god, half a year. That is a deal, baby. That sounds great.
Zoë Schiffer: They also think stress and isolation contributed to it, which I think seems true. I think the implications were worse for people who had a lower socioeconomic status and older men in particular. So that tracks with other things that we know. Staying in the UK for a little bit, our next story is about the age verification laws that went into effect in the country this past Friday. Our colleagues, Lily Hay Newman and Matt Burgess reported that the UK's Online Safety Act went into effect last week, which requires porn websites and other adult content sites to implement age verification features. I'm so curious to hear your take on this because I feel like age verification is one of those things where the top line thing that you think you believe is exactly reversed when you start to look into it.
Louise Matsakis: Oh, totally. I mean, so a few years ago when a lot of lawmakers in the US were talking about this, they were specifically referencing China and they were like, "Oh, China has age verification and meanwhile in the US we're letting this Chinese company, TikTok, poison our youth or whatever." And so I looked into how China does age verification, and it's exactly what you said. From the ground up, it's a surveillance architecture. They had to literally brick by brick build their internet to have this surveillance in every sort of layer, and then on top of it all, it doesn't work. If you go anywhere in China, you will see toddlers looking at TikTok because they're just logged into their parents' account. It's like, I just think this is such a parental rights and it should be something that is personal and decided in your own home. I just don't think the government needs to be the one overseeing this.
Zoë Schiffer: Yeah, I mean, this is exactly what we've seen in the UK, which is that the use of VPNs which allow you to access websites without some of your information being tracked have spiked wildly since this rolled out, and it's only been a handful of days.
Louise Matsakis: All I can say is look to rural China where there is an epidemic of what looks like grannies who are spending all this time on TikTok, and it's actually just their grandchildren logged into their accounts.
Zoë Schiffer: I mean, ultimately, only time will tell how effective these age verification measures will actually be. Moving on to the basketball court, this is a real pivot. Did you play sports in high school college?
Louise Matsakis: No, I played no sports. I could not be more unathletic. I enjoy various forms of exercise, but none of them I would call competitive sports. Did you?
Zoë Schiffer: No, absolutely not. And every time Andrew, my husband, tries to toss me a ball or play anything, he's like, "Wow, you just really never played a video game or sports. I've never seen someone with so little hand-eye coordination." Now when I watch my daughter run, I'm like, "She got that from me. She looks like that's not going to be a skill." But OK. This is kind of the WIRED angle on sports, which WIRED contributor Ben Dowsett reported that there's a smart basketball being developed and tested that could make its way into the NBA. The ball is called the Spalding TF DNA, and it tracks incredibly granular, detailed information during play, not just makes and misses, but the angle and spit of the shot and how long it takes a player to release the ball, which could be useful for players as they train or deciding things during the game, but it still needs the player's approval. And the NBA has been hesitant when a previous version of the ball was tested because they found that the sensors added weight to the ball, which you might expect, and it was just a trade-off that didn't make sense for them.
Louise Matsakis: I think that this is so fascinating. One aspect of sports that makes zero sense to me and I find really creepy is how much professional sports players are surveilled now. There's so much data on how fast was their pitch, exactly how many runs they got, exactly how many points they've scored in their entire career, and let's plot that over time. We know how much they weigh, exactly how tall they are. I just think being under that kind of surveillance is so stressful, and I know these people are highly compensated, but I don't get why it doesn't take out some of the magic. I think part of it is because of the rise of sports betting. I think the people who are betting want to have as much data as possible, and they're looking for, everyone on this team is half an inch taller, whatever it is that they think is going to be the edge. And I don't know, I just find it, the datification of sports is strange to me. I say ban the ball.
Zoë Schiffer: I'd be curious to hear it from listeners if this is actually something that people want. I did just read Andre Agassi's memoir, because I found it in a free library, and one of my main takeaways from the book, other than his whole hair saga, which was a big part of it, was that at one point his brother, I think signed a deal with a new tennis racket company and switched up his racket without telling him, and he was completely unable to play. It was a whole thing, and I was like, “OK, people really, really care." The minute details obviously really matter at this level. Our last story before we go to break is about how an entire country's population is preparing to migrate. WIRED contributor Fernanda Gonzalez reported last week that the Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu could be submerged in 25 years due to rising sea levels. So the plan is being implemented to relocate the entire population to Australia.
Louise Matsakis: I got to say, I think calling this a migration is maybe underselling it. This is an evacuation, no? I find this sad in a lot of ways just because I remember when Tuvalu was kind of the poster child for climate change, and it was like, we have to save places like this island nation, and it just sort of feels like, I think practical and understandable and humane, but also, I don't know, an indication that we're giving up and that there's sort of defeat of we're actually just going to move people. I don't know. What do you think?
Zoë Schiffer: No, I mean, I completely agree. I also remember this story evolving over time, and it feels like with so many things with climate change will have the big headline, "We have to do X by this year or this other thing will happen." And we've just again and again and again been like, “OK, that didn't happen." And so we're accepting that floods are going to happen, or rising sea levels are going to damage this area or whatever and now we're on to dealing with the fallout from that.
Louise Matsakis: Yeah, and even in this case, I think the agreement that Tuvalu has with Australia is less than 300 people can move a year and be evacuated as I'm going to keep using that word. And that's still not that many. There's still going to be people on this island as the seas rise.
Zoë Schiffer: I mean, yeah, it's not the only thing that Tuvalu has done since 2022. The country has been trying to undergo this ambitious strategy to become the world's quote, unquote, "first digital nation", which included 3D scanning of the islands to digitally recreate them and preserve parts of the culture and moving government functions to a virtual environment, which makes sense. But yeah, I mean, I think the reality is a lot is going to be lost in this process. And like you said, the number of people that they're able to move every year is less than 300, so it's going to be slow, and I think painful in some ways.
Louise Matsakis: Totally.
Zoë Schiffer: Coming up after the break, we dive into Louisa's story on how ChatGPT's tendency to ignore the context of the information it absorbs is showing up in extremely weird ways. Stay with us. Welcome back to Uncanny Valley. I'm Zoë Schiffer. I'm joined today by WIRED's Louise Matsakis, who recently reported on how a lack of context is becoming an increasingly alarming problem for ChatGPT and other chatbots. Louisa's reporting explores why ChatGPT went into demon mode when it was speaking with Atlantic staffers recently. Last week, an editor at the Atlantic reported that ChatGPT started praising Satan and encouraging ceremonies that involved various forms of self-mutilation. So Louise, what the hell is going on?
Louise Matsakis: So the Atlantic reported this story that basically made the case that know ChatGPT has these safeguards against things like self-harm, but there's all these edge cases that suddenly send the chatbot into kind of a role-playing mode. And so they were like, "Hey, can you make a ritual for Molech, which is this ancient God that shows up in the Bible that's associated with child sacrifice?" And ChatGPT saw that word and immediately went into this role-playing game where it started talking about things like deep magic experience called the Gate of the Devourer. It asked the Atlantic journalists if they wanted something called a reverent bleeding scroll. And so all that sounds like really bizarre, and you might think like, oh, there's a lot of content on the internet about demonic rituals. Satanists are everywhere, especially online. That's probably what's going on here. But when I looked into it, all of this lore and jargon actually comes from a game called 40,000 Warhammer, which is this tabletop war playing game that you play with these little figurines, and it's been around since the 1980s. People who love this stuff love it. And they are online, the Reddits are popping off all days of the week. There's so many science fiction books, there's so many... I honestly struggle to think of deeper lores than this game. And as a result, ChatGPT ingested all that information. And when the Atlantic used the word Molech, which is a planet in the universe of this game, it immediately just sort of assumed that this was another Warhammer fan who wanted to go into role-playing or get into the fantasy world of this game.
Zoë Schiffer: And the PDF thing seemed one major signal that perhaps this wasn't ChatGPT just randomly deciding to be a satanist but actually was regurgitating parts of the gameplay or the norms associated with the game.
Louise Matsakis: Yeah. So when you have this much lore, the company that owns the Warhammer franchise very regularly, they put out guidebooks, they change the rules so that if new characters are introduced or there's some major development in this universe, you know what's going on. And you need that information in order to play the game with your friends. But if you're buying rule books left and right, Zoë, that can get expensive. And so on Reddit and other Warhammer forums, a lot of players often say like, "Yo, do you have a PDF of the latest rule book?" And so that was a total dog whistle to me when ChatGPT was like, "You want a PDF of the reverent bleeding scroll? Like, girl, I got you."
Zoë Schiffer: Let's talk about why this distinction matters because it's really important. You wrote a whole article about it, but I could see a lay person being like, why do I care if ChatGPT is talking about demonic rituals because of this game or because it's become a satanist during this conversation? Why is the context important?
Louise Matsakis: So I think when people say, "Oh, context is important. Context is important." That sounds vague. And it's like, of course that's the case. If I ask, "How are you doing today, Zoë?" And you had a really bad day yesterday, that's the context. Versus, "How are you doing today, Zoë? Haven't talked to you in a while." The way we respond, even if the language is the same, is about the context around it. And I know that that probably sounds obvious, but I think we're in this moment where people are looking at things like ChatGPT and they're seeing them as a source of ground truth. They're seeing it as a source of objective truth, and that just isn't the case. It's not a primary source. You're not able to see why is it giving you this type of answer. Even if it cites its sources, you don't know necessarily why it is using that adjective to describe a historical figure or why it's talking about demonic rituals with this type of language. You don't have the ability to actually see where that came from. It's essentially just ever shifting encyclopedia. And if you want to know the capital of Japan, it's probably fine, but if you want to actually get deeper understanding about something, you have to know why this is its boiled down answer.
Zoë Schiffer: Yeah. I also think it's really important that we understand and continue to highlight how these chatbots actually work, because I think when they're emergent behaviors as they're called, or when they start seemingly really going deep on satanic rituals or whatever, it can lead people to be like, I think more into the belief that there's something sentient, that there's something alive about the model. It's like doing this that's unexpected and weird and unnerving. When you realize that there are all of these very robust online fandoms that provided a ton of training materials to the model, and the model has a lot to draw on, if you mention a specific word or set of phrases, it becomes a little less spooky, I think, and that's actually important for our digital literacy here.
Louise Matsakis: I think a lot about, did you get told in school you can't use Wikipedia all the time?
Zoë Schiffer: Oh, yeah, for sure.
Louise Matsakis: I think it's a good analogy. Now we're like, "Oh God, Wikipedia is the only source of truth that we have. Dear Lord, it's so much better." But the problem with Wikipedia is that it wasn't a primary source. It was somebody in a Wikipedia editor summarizing an actual original reporting or a study or whatever it is, or a photograph, primary source documents. But at least those citations were there. But I think we have to come back to that and remember that it's kind of a sketchier Wikipedia.
Zoë Schiffer: Stay with us. Louise, thank you so much for joining me today.
Louise Matsakis: Thanks for having me, Zoë.
Zoë Schiffer: That's our show for today. We'll link to all the stories we spoke about in the show notes. Make sure to check out Thursday's episode of Uncanny Valley, which is about why some people in Silicon Valley are obsessed with the ultimate form of optimization, beating death. Adriana Tapia produced this episode. Amar Lal at Macrosound mixed this episode. Kate Osborn is our executive producer. Condé Nast head of global audio is Chris Bannon. And Katie Drummond is WIRED's global editorial director.
Facing pressure from payment processors, the indie game platform delisted many adult titles this week. Itch.io began offering free NSFW content again on Thursday as it looks for new payment options.
Itch.io Is Restoring NSFW Games—as Long as They’re Free
Facing pressure from payment processors, the indie game platform delisted many adult titles this week. Itch.io began offering free NSFW content again on Thursday as it looks for new payment options.
Photograph: Getty Images
On Thursday, indie gaming platform Itch.io began re-indexing some of the adult content it had delisted last month amid pressure from conservative groups and payment processors over its hosting of NSFW titles. While the move returns some content to the site’s searchable catalog, it impacts only those games, comics, and other offerings that are already free and therefore not caught in the current payment debacle.
“We are still in ongoing discussions with payment processors and will be reintroducing paid content slowly to ensure we can confidently support the widest range of creators in the long term,” Itch founder Leaf Corcoran wrote in a post on the site.
Itch and gaming platform Steam began delisting or outright removing games with adult content in July. Conservative group Collective Shout targeted both platforms as part of what the group says was an effort to get what it alleges are “rape and incest” games removed from the platforms.
Valve, which runs Steam, began removing hundreds of games after Collective Shout put pressure on its payment processors, urging the banking institutions not to do business with the company over the content on its platform. When the group did the same thing to Itch’s payment processors, Itch reportedly delisted more than 20,000 titles with NSFW tags, sparking protest campaigns against financial institutions like Visa and Mastercard. The delistings have impacted thousands of creators, including marginalized developers who identify as queer, trans, and BIPOC.
If Itch can't come to an agreement with its payment processors, the company will effectively be unable to sell anything to customers. Corcoran says that one of its earliest processors, Stripe, has confirmed that it “will not be able to support adult content that fits the following definition: ‘content designed for sexual gratification.’”
In a statement given to WIRED, Mastercard says it has “not evaluated any game or required restrictions of any activity” on gaming platforms. “Our payment network follows standards based on the rule of law,” spokesperson Seth Eisen says. “Put simply, we allow all lawful purchases on our network. At the same time, we require merchants to have appropriate controls to ensure Mastercard cards cannot be used for unlawful purchases, including illegal adult content.”
When asked how the company was identifying illegal adult content on the platforms, Eisen directed WIRED to a policy the company posted in 2021 stipulating that vendors use "strong content control measures on sites where our products are accepted."
Itch’s and Valve’s removals have been unpopular with both the gaming community and creators. On Steam, some developers believe their games have been unfairly impacted as part of Collective Shout’s efforts. Vile: Exhumed creator Cara Cadaver tells WIRED she was told that her game was kicked off of Steam because of “sexual content with depictions of real people,” which she says is inaccurate. “Anyone who got the chance to play the game knows it is all implied,” Cadaver says. “The game has a lot of gore and violent themes, but that was the reason given.”
Cadaver says that not being able to release on Steam “drastically decreases” the game’s potential reach. “Steam is the largest video game storefront,” she says. “Less people will be able to play Vile or even know it exists.”
Valve has not responded to multiple requests for comment. The company confirmed to PC Gamer in July it had removed some games that violated “rules and standards set forth by our payment processors and their related card networks and banks.”
Corcoran’s post on Thursday noted that Itch will be adding a new “content warnings” system for NSFW pages. The founder previously told WIRED that the platform is seeking alternative payment processors. Valve has yet to address changes to its platform since the initial news.
Long before ChatGPT, a group of AI luminaries gathered on an island to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. Their funder ultimately cast a shadow on all who attended.
Long before ChatGPT, a group of AI luminaries gathered on an island to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. Their funder ultimately cast a shadow on all who attended.
Jeffrey Epstein in Cambridge, MA on 9/8/04.Photo-Illustration: WIRED Staff; Photograph: Rick Friedman/Getty Images
In 2002, artificial intelligence was still in winter. Despite decades of effort, dreams of bestowing computers with humanlike cognition and real-world understanding had not materialized. To look for a way forward, a small group of scientists gathered for “The St. Thomas Common Sense Symposium.” AI pioneer Marvin Minsky was the central presence, along with his protégé Pushpinder Singh. After the symposium, Minsky, Singh, and renowned philosopher Aaron Sloman published a paper on the group’s ideas for how to reach humanlike AI.
The paper speaks to the struggles of early-century AI. But one sentence truly stands out today. In a brief paragraph of acknowledgements, the authors say, “This meeting was made possible by the generous support of Jeffrey Epstein.” The symposium itself, in fact, was held in the Virgin Islands, home of Epstein’s now-notorious island retreat. Looking back at this event reveals something about the state of AI—as well as the symposium’s execrable funder.
To the shame of the technology and science communities, a voracious sexual predator managed to buy his way into relationships with some of the most prominent and influential figures in the field. Epstein’s connections, which included Bill Gates and Minsky, have been exhaustively documented. In a deposition, Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre alleged she was directed to have sex with Minsky at Epstein's island; Minsky’s wife—who says she accompanied the scientist when he visited Epstein and that they only went to the New York and Palm Beach residences—has vehemently denied the charge, which was made shortly before Minsky’s death and was not revealed until much later. Epstein died in prison in 2019 (don’t ask me to break down the conspiracy theories in one measly parenthesis), and Giuffre tragically took her own life in 2025.
For the vast majority of Epstein’s connections in science and tech, professional association with a sexual predator became an embarrassing, even damning, fact. Epstein penetrated the inner circles of these worlds, funding small gatherings attended by bold-faced names. (I myself was at the notorious 2002 “Billionaire Dinner” at TED where Epstein mingled with Sergey Brin, Jeff Bezos, Rupert Murdoch, singer Naomi Judd, and prominent scientists, including some who flew in on Epstein’s plane.) One entry point to those circles was literary agent John Brockman, whose client list included top names in science. Epstein largely funded Brockman’s nonprofit science-oriented foundation.
A source of mine who knew Epstein well explained that the financier appeared genuinely fascinated by scientists. The source claims to have no knowledge of his crimes. They agreed to discuss Epstein only on the condition of anonymity. “I experienced him as this eccentric, wealthy guy who liked to surround himself with interesting people and scientists and who had a lot of questions about the world,” the source says. “He was as interested in the personality of the scientist as he was with the scientist’s work.” Epstein himself apparently understood why he was welcomed in those circles. “I'm not more than a hobbyist in science,” he told journalist Jeffrey Mervis in 2017. “But money I understand, [and] I'm a pretty good mathematician.”
Invite Only
Epstein’s spectre casts a dark shadow on the 2002 symposium. But how did the event even come to be? My source gave me the previously unreported backstory. “Jeffrey used to say how fond he was of Marvin and how much he loved talking to him about AI,” the source says. In those years, the subject wasn’t very popular. “It was a time when people were really skeptical about whether AI had legs,” my source said. So the idea arose to host a small AI gathering with Minsky at the center. (It’s not clear whether the funding for the event came from a $100,000 donation made by Epstein to support Minksy’s research.)
After some deliberation, it was decided the event would center on ideas from Minsky’s star student, Singh. In 1996, Singh had written a short paper called “Why AI Failed.” To get humanlike intelligence, he argued, “we need systems with common-sense knowledge and flexible ways to use it. The trouble is that building such systems amounts to ’solving AI.’” As tough as that is, he wrote, “we have no choice but to face it head on.” (Bill Gates saw the paper and commented, “I think your observations about the AI field are correct.”)
Presumably, the St. Thomas symposium was one way to face the problem head-on. But the event was hard to organize. An early list of possible participants lacked star power and had to be augmented. Eventually, the guest list grew to include Roger Schank, a celebrated AI theorist whose obituary was marred by attending the event and by serving a brief spell as chief learning officer of Trump University. Another participant was Doug Lenat, the inventor of the ambitious CYC project, which involved humans painstakingly typing explanations of everyday objects into a database for AI research. Also in attendance was Vernor Vinge, a science fiction writer who is credited with the concept of the AI singularity. UK philosopher Sloman, now approaching 90, was one of the later additions. “I was not on Epstein's original invitation list,” he emailed me earlier this week. “I was added at the suggestion of Marvin Minsky, partly because by then I was helping to supervise his student (Push Singh).” Sloman says his memory of the event is weak. But, he recalls, “I seem to remember that Epstein provided lavish resources, including using a private plane to get us to the location.”
The symposium took place at a ritzy hotel in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. One night everyone went to the beach on Epstein's private island for a barbeque dinner. The working sessions themselves were contentious. “There were moments when it was battling egos, and it was hard to move them along on the agenda. Sometimes it dove into stuff that was super technical and other times at a more philosophical level,” the source recalls.
Epstein’s own participation in the discussions seem to have been minimal. “Jeffrey popped in and out the whole time, and I think had some private conversations with some of the scientists,” says my source. The source didn’t recall witnessing a scene that Roger Schank later described in an interview with Slate. “Epstein walks into the conference with two girls on his arm,” Schank reported. While the scientists discussed AI theory, Schank said, Epstein “was in the back, on a couch, hugging and kissing these girls.”
Egos and Infighting
If Schank is correct, the scientists ignored this. In retrospect it was a red flag that indicated more was happening in Epsteinland than scientific discussions. In any case, the scientists kept grappling with Singh’s contention that a multipronged approach was necessary to crack the AI conundrum. Minsky agreed. While various theories to improve AI had fallen short, the industry needed more theories.
Now, of course, we know that’s wrong, and in a sense the meeting was a last gasp of the logic-based Good Old Fashioned AI that, in Singh’s word, failed. The generative AI models we use today are relatively theory-free—their emergent understanding of the world comes from neural-net machine learning techniques and mountains of data. This technique has indeed made AI more humanlike, without the old-school AI theory bandied about in the Virgin Islands. Yet the conclusions of the Common Sense Symposium still have relevance; some scientists now argue that neural nets alone can’t “solve” AI, and we need to combine them with more traditional reasoning-based approaches for the technology to reach its full potential.
On the second day of the symposium, there was one moment when the future of AI suddenly came into focus. The day began with more arguments. Then someone brought up science-fiction writer Neal Stephenson’s book The Diamond Age, in which children are taught by a magical book that can tell them stories and answer their questions. The prospect brought the egoistic scientists into harmony. They speculated that AI systems “would carry out a conversation with you, to help you understand a problem or achieve some goal. You could discuss with it such subjects as how to choose a house or car, how to learn to play a game or get better at some subject, how to decide whether to go to the doctor, and so forth,” according to the paper they published. In other words, ChatGPT. The symposium ended with an agreement to further explore how to make that vision a reality.
After Push Singh secured his PhD a few years later, he was a postdoctoral associate at MIT’s Media Lab and had accepted a faculty position. He never assumed the post. In 2006, he died by suicide. He was 33.
Ultimately—as with much of what Epstein touched—the St. Thomas Common Sense Symposium will be known more for its unsavory host than for any of the ideas that came out of it. As the scientists feasted at Epstein’s island, the seeds for the real AI revolution were germinating in the fertile soil of the University of Toronto, where Geoffrey Hinton and his colleagues were developing the techniques of deep learning, which would later become the basis of generative AI. While Epstein might have been correct in his hunch that AI would be significant, his dilettante efforts in science made no mark on the world. But as today’s headlines make clear, his crimes still reverberate.
Whatever your higher-ed goals, these laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1s will help you crush them.
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College is when most people first get a laptop for themselves. They might have used an old Chromebook in high school or borrowed their parents’ PC, but as they're entering their university years, they need something that's their own. It's the device they'll take to classes, coffee shops, club meetings, and libraries—and rely on to achieve their academic dreams. But it's also the device they'll use to binge-watch shows and play games with roommates after hours.
I've been reviewing laptops for a decade, and after testing dozens of wallet-friendly laptops designed for college students, these are our recommendations on what to purchase before the school year starts. My picks range from traditional clamshell laptops to 2-in-1 computers and even tablets.
Updated August 2025: We've added the M4 MacBook Air, Asus Zenbook A14, Surface Pro 12, and Asus Chromebook CX15. Other additions include the Dell 14 Plus, Surface Laptop 7th Edition, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, and Acer Chromebook Plus 515.
Do You Need a Laptop for College?
Yes, without a doubt. If you're heading off to live on campus, you'll most definitely need a laptop of some kind for your schoolwork. Alternatively, you can use a desktop in your dorm room paired with an iPad or some kind of note-taking device in class.
However, a laptop is likely a preferable device. It's extremely useful to take your work on the go with you as you're in between classes, studying in coffee shops, or just taking notes in lecture. Dorm rooms aren't known for being spacious, so having a laptop to take your studying to the library or a coffee shop would be a huge benefit.
What Kind of Laptop Is Best for College?
All our guidelines for choosing a laptop also apply to a device for college, including evaluating the quality of the display and chassis, along with ensuring that the laptop is fast enough for your work. Get something with at least 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage and you'll be happy.
There are a couple of important things to consider specific to college. Portability and battery life are paramount. Regardless of your budget, you want something that will last throughout the day and won't weigh you down while carrying it from class to class. Anything over four pounds or so will start to feel noticeable in your backpack.
Overall dimensions are important too. Bringing a 16-inch laptop to class can feel obtuse given the size of college room desks. The same is true if you plan to bring your laptop to a crowded coffee shop or library. That's why 13-inch or 14-inch laptops are preferred. That being said, if you're a gamer or need a discrete GPU for your coursework, you may have to bite the bullet and buy something a bit larger.
Here are some other specs to consider:
Processor
Windows: If you're getting a Windows machine, your main options for the processor are Intel and AMD, though Qualcomm is now a viable alternative with Copilot+ PCs. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. For a more complete guide to the differences, see our full guide to buying a laptop.
Chromebooks: These browser-based machines use half a dozen different processors, most of which you've probably never heard of. There's a reason for that: Those processors are slow. My recommendation when buying a Chromebook is to stick with a Chromebook Plus machine. This is a new standard Google created to ensure a certain level of performance and polish with Chromebooks.
MacOS: Apple has been making its own processors for a few years, like the latest M4 chip found inside the MacBook Air showcased below. More powerful models like the MacBook Pros feature the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, which feature GPUs comparable with the discrete GPUs you find in Windows laptops. Our MacBook buying guide can help.
RAM and Storage
Regardless of which OS you choose, the minimum amount of RAM you want in your laptop is 8 GB. That's enough memory to keep your computer feeling snappy even if it's running under load. But these days, 16 GB has become the new standard, and you'll find lots of laptops around $800 that come with 16 GB. So, if you can afford it—especially if you plan to edit photos or videos as part of your coursework—go for 16 GB or even 32 GB.
The new default for storage is 256 GB, and it'll do if you're trying to save money. You can always use external storage if you need to add on. Spring for 512 GB or a terabyte if you can, though.
Screen
Screens vary tremendously, but don't settle for anything less than 1080p (or 1200p for 16:10 aspect ratio displays). For a 13-inch laptop, 1080p is sharp enough. If you're going with a bigger laptop, 2.5K or even 4K screens will improve the viewing experience. If you're trying to play games as well, be sure to get something with a higher refresh rate—120 Hz or 144 Hz will more than satisfy.
Weight and Battery
Don't forget you'll be lugging this thing around. It may well be tugging on your back for eight hours or more. One pound may not seem like much, but at the end of a long day of walking, you will notice the difference between a three-pound laptop and a four-pound laptop. Trust me. Also, maybe pick out a nice bag to carry your computer.
Similarly, battery life is very important when you're (potentially) away from a wall outlet for extended periods. Whatever you end up getting, make sure it's capable of lasting at least eight hours under real-world use—browsing the web, editing documents, writing emails, and taking notes. Even then, you might want to consider a portable battery charger.
Are Chromebooks Good for College?
Yes, for most college students, Chromebooks are a good option. They are cheaper than MacBooks or Windows laptops, and the Chromebook Plus models offer higher-quality devices with higher-end features, despite being very affordable. If you're shopping below $500, things can get more iffy, but I've tested a couple of good options that I recommend in this guide even in that price range. That's the power of Chromebooks as a platform.
Furthermore, you can run almost all apps in the web these days (including Office 365), and Android apps do a good job of filling in the gaps. Occasionally, though, you may run into some compatibility problems, whether with software or hardware. If you're in a STEM, art, or design program, however, a Chromebook is probably not a good fit. For example, if you're required to use CAD or Photoshop, you'll want a Windows laptop.
No surprise here. The M4 MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is my choice for the best laptop overall, and because it's well under $1,000, it's also a fantastic choice for college students. That's especially true because of how incredibly light, thin, and long-lasting the battery life is. You'll hardly notice this in your backpack, and the battery life will hold up well over a day. With the M4 model, you can now even plug in multiple 4K displays, and the webcam has been upgraded with an improved 12-megapixel camera sensor. There are two size options—13 or 15 inches—and the larger MacBook Air sports a better six-speaker system. Otherwise, they're identical.
Apple has always offered a student discount on its MacBook Air models through its Education store, but you can almost always pick one up for even cheaper on Amazon.
You want a light laptop for college, not something that you'll feel like you're lugging around. The Zenbook A14 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is perfect for this scenario. At just 2.18 pounds, it's one of the lightest laptops, over half a pound lighter than the MacBook Air. That doesn't mean it feels flimsy, as Asus has used its patented Ceraluminum material to build something that's extremely lightweight yet sturdy. Either way, you'll be astounded by just how light this laptop feels.
Beyond that, it's also selling for a really good price. You can buy it for just $600 right now at stores like Best Buy, coming with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon X Plus chip inside ensures good performance and all-day battery life comparable to a MacBook.
I can't think of a better device to bring to class than the Surface Pro 12 (6/10, WIRED Review). While I prefer the larger Surface Pro 13 for most people, college students are the exception. The thinner and lighter size of the Surface Pro 12 works to its advantage in this case, giving you a super-portable Windows device. It has really solid hardware too, using the Snapdragon X Plus to provide just as much power and long-lasting battery life as the larger model. I wish it were a bit more affordable, though, as you'll still need to add on the Surface keyboard. You'll need to add on a USB-C power supply too.
But remember, this is a 2-in-1 laptop, meaning it pulls double duty as a laptop and tablet. When you're done typing up your homework, you can detach the screen and hop in bed to catch up on Dandadan.
Lenovo's Flex 5i Chromebook Plus (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a good choice for students all in on Google services. It's one of the fastest, most versatile Chromebooks we’ve tested. It strikes a great balance between price, power, and features, with a 2-in-1 design that lets you seamlessly switch between laptop mode for homework and stand mode for late-night binges.
The 14-inch 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution screen is a bit taller than 16:9 displays you’ll find on some Chromebooks, which is great for working on documents and browsing the web. The Intel Core i3 processor and flash storage never struggle to keep up. Even if you have dozens of tabs open doing research, this won't let you down.
While there are better overall Chromebooks out there now, such as the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, the price of the Flex 5i makes it the best overall Chromebook for college students right now.
The M1 MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2020 with the original M1 chip is still available, and at $600, it's a really good deal. The battery will last more than a full workday, under most workloads, and it's powerful enough for college use. These days, you can only buy the base model with 8 GB of unified memory and 256 GB of storage, but that should be sufficient for college tasks. If you push it with many browser tabs and apps running simultaneously, you may run into some slowdowns. The 720p webcam isn’t great, but for this price, it's hard to argue.
Laptops with discrete GPUs aren't cheap. Even janky-looking budget gaming laptops tend to be well over $1,000. This content creation-focused mid-tier laptop, the Asus Vivobook Pro 15 (6/10, WIRED Review), is one of the few you can get for under $1,500.
It comes with not only a 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 processor but also an RTX 4050 GPU. Now, that's not the most powerful graphics card in the world, but it will certainly speed up 3D rendering and video timeline exports more than the integrated graphics you'll find on cheaper machines. The Vivobook Pro 15 also comes with tons of memory and storage, as well as an impressive OLED panel that is both sharp and fast (120 Hz). It's not a looker, and it's a bit thick, but when it comes to performance, it'll get the job done.
You'll need a competent machine for when you want to play games and take your mind off coursework. But certain students will also need a powerful PC for graphics-intensive work, like video editing. A gaming laptop is the way to go, and the Acer Nitro 17 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a great place to start. It's frequently sold for just $900 at Micro Center, which is a killer price considering the performance it delivers. The RTX 4060 graphics card will handle most games at low to medium settings, and you get to enjoy all of it on a spacious 17-inch display and a 165-Hz refresh rate.
The downside is it's very heavy at 6 pounds, an important factor to consider if you have to lug it to class. It also doesn't have great battery life, so you'll want to keep a charger handy. If those are deal-breakers, then consider the older Acer Nitro 5 ($1,098), which has lesser specs but is slightly smaller and lighter, and its battery life is a bit better.
Framework's 13-inch laptop is a good choice for budding programmers and sysadmins. The Laptop 13 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is available with either Windows or Linux, but I much prefer it with Linux—a DIY laptop needs a DIY OS. The hallmark of this laptop is how you can repair and replace components down the road, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Right now, you can get a Ryzen AI series system with 32 GB of RAM, a 2-TB SSD, and whichever mix of ports suits your needs for around $1,400. That will ship with no operating system. When it arrives you can install Linux (or opt to ship it with Windows if you need to dual boot). See our Best Linux Laptops guide for more options. If you like the idea of the Laptop 13, you should also consider the newer Laptop 12, though it's a little smaller.
Specs
Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 5 340
Memory: 16 GB, configurable up to 96 GB
Storage: 500 GB, configurable up to 4 TB
Display: 13.5 inch, 2256 x 1504, LCD, 60 Hz (upgradeable to 2.8K resolution and 120 Hz)
Most people buying a laptop for college are on a budget, which is why most laptops on this list are under $1,000. But if you need something cheaper, the Asus Chromebook CX15 is the best thing you can get under $300. There are things you probably won't love about it, such as the colors of the screen and the quality of the touchpad. They're not unusable, but they're the most noticeable giveaway for being a budget-tier product.
But beyond that, it's a solid laptop that's got a comfortable keyboard, great specs, and lots of ports. I think the design is nice, the pop of color adding some flair to an otherwise generic look. Read our Best Chromebooks guide for more recommendations.
Sometimes you just need something small and portable to carry to class and type on. That's the epitome of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), an 11-inch 2-in-1 even smaller than the Surface Pro 12. It's been one of our favorite Chromebooks for a while now, and it’s easy to see why. The ultra-portable detachable has excellent battery life thanks to its MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, regularly getting nearly 10 hours on a charge in my testing. It’s also plain fun to use—since it’s in such a small package, you can easily toss it in a bag and take it anywhere. The display detaches from the keyboard, perfect for when you want to curl up on the couch with the Netflix Android app.
You can get this Lenovo with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, but I recommend upgrading to 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. A Lenovo stylus comes in the box and can be easily tucked away into a magnetic spot on the back of the display (which looks great, by the way). The whole package feels great to use; just be aware that there are only two USB-C ports, and the smaller keyboard and trackpad take some getting used to.
iPads are about to become really solid laptop replacements. In the upcoming launch of iPadOS 26, Apple is bringing real windowing to the iPad, giving it a much more Mac-like feel. iPads are already great at things like taking notes or reading textbooks, and now, they'll get a proper boost in multitasking. With that in mind, it makes a lot more sense to recommend the iPad Air (8/10, WIRED Recommends) to college students.
Not an iPad fan? If you'd prefer an Android-powered slate, check out our Best Android Tablets guide for alternatives.
Specs
Processor: Apple M2
Memory: 8 GB
Storage: 128 GB
Display: 11 inch, 2360 x 1640 pixels, 60 Hz
Other Laptops to Consider
Photograph: Luke Larsen
Dell 14 Plus for $700: If this laptop had always been priced at $700, it would be at the top of this list. But as it stands, the Dell 14 Plus (6/10, WIRED Review) is only a laptop that should be purchased at a discount. Fortunately, right now, it's as cheap as ever, a full $400 off the retail price. Considering it gets great battery life and comes with a full terabyte of storage, that's a steal.
Acer Chromebook Plus 515 for $359: This 15-inch Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has the same internal components as the Lenovo we recommend above. The battery life for this one is a solid 8.5 hours of full-screen video playback time. The Acer offers an HDMI 1.4 output jack in place of the Lenovo's microSD card slot, making this one a better choice if you frequently need to give presentations or otherwise use the HDMI port.
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) for $1,050: We've been pleasantly surprised to see more lower-cost laptops that still incorporate some measure of artificial intelligence-focused performance tuning. The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (7/10, WIRED Recommends), the latest in the company's line of affordable, no-nonsense laptops, is right around $1,000 and uses the new AMD Ryzen 7 CPU (model 8840HS). This is a small, portable machine (3.1 pounds and 19 mm thick), and it packs in plenty of ports despite the slim form. There are two USB-C ports (one of which is needed for charging), one full-size USB 3.2 port, a full-size HDMI output, and a microSD card reader. The keyboard has small arrow keys but is otherwise nice to type on.
Evidence is growing that some HIV-infected infants, if given antiretroviral drugs early in life, are able to suppress their viral loads to undetectable levels and then come off the medicine.
The First Widespread Cure for HIV Could Be in Children
Evidence is growing that some HIV-infected infants, if given antiretroviral drugs early in life, are able to suppress their viral loads to undetectable levels and then come off the medicine.
An ARV tablet being held in Kisumu, Kenya, on April 24, 2025.Photograph: Michel Lunanga/Getty Images
For years, Philip Goulder has been obsessed with a particularly captivating idea: In the hunt for an HIV cure, could children hold the answers?
Starting in the mid-2010s, the University of Oxford pediatrician and immunologist began working with scientists in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, with the aim of tracking several hundred children who had acquired HIV from their mothers, either during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
After putting the children on antiretroviral drugs early in their lives to control the virus, Goulder and his colleagues were keen to monitor their progress and adherence to standard antiretroviral treatment, which stops HIV from replicating. But over the following decade, something unusual happened. Five of the children stopped coming to the clinic to collect their drugs, and when the team eventually tracked them down many months later, they appeared to be in perfect health.
“Instead of their viral loads being through the roof, they were undetectable,” says Goulder. “And normally HIV rebounds within two or three weeks.”
In a study published last year, Goulder described how all five remained in remission, despite having not received regular antiretroviral medication for some time, and in one case, up to 17 months. In the decades-long search for an HIV cure, this offered a tantalizing insight: that the first widespread success in curing HIV might not come in adults, but in children.
At the recent International AIDS Society conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, in mid-July, Alfredo Tagarro, a pediatrician at the Infanta Sofia University Hospital in Madrid, presented a new study showing that around 5 percent of HIV-infected children who receive antiretrovirals within the first six months of life ultimately suppress the HIV viral reservoir—the number of cells harboring the virus’s genetic material—to negligible levels. “Children have special immunological features which makes it more likely that we will develop an HIV cure for them before other populations,” says Tagarro.
His thoughts were echoed by another doctor, Mark Cotton, who directs the children’s infectious diseases clinical research unit at the University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town.
“Kids have a much more dynamic immune system,” says Cotton. “They also don’t have any additional issues like high blood pressure or kidney problems. It makes them a better target, initially, for a cure.”
According to Tagarro, children with HIV have long been “left behind” in the race to find a treatment that can put HIV-positive individuals permanently into remission. Since 2007, 10 adults are thought to have been cured, having received stem cell transplants to treat life-threatening blood cancer, a procedure which ended up eliminating the virus. Yet with such procedures being both complex and highly risky—other patients have died in the aftermath of similar attempts—it is not considered a viable strategy for specifically targeting HIV.
Instead, like Goulder, pediatricians have increasingly noticed that after starting antiretroviral treatment early in life, a small subpopulation of children then seem able to suppress HIV for months, years, and perhaps even permanently with their immune system alone. This realization initially began with certain isolated case studies: the “Mississippi baby” who controlled the virus for more than two years without medication, and a South African child who was considered potentially cured having kept the virus in remission for more than a decade. Cotton says he suspects that between 10 and 20 percent of all HIV-infected children would be capable of controlling the virus for a significant period of time, beyond the typical two to three weeks, after stopping antiretrovirals.
Goulder is now launching a new study to try and examine this phenomenon in more detail, taking 19 children in South Africa who have suppressed HIV to negligible levels on antiretrovirals, stopping the drugs, and seeing how many can prevent the virus from rebounding, with the aim of understanding why. To date, he says that six of them have been able to control the virus without any drugs for more than 18 months. Based on what he’s seen so far, he has a number of ideas about what could be happening. In particular, it appears that boys are more likely to better control the virus due to a quirk of gender biology to do with the innate immune system, the body’s first-line defense against pathogens.
“The female innate immune system both in utero and in childhood is much more aggressive than the male equivalent when it encounters and senses viruses like HIV,” says Goulder. “Usually that’s a good thing, but because HIV infects activated immune cells, it actually seems to make girls more vulnerable to being infected.”
In addition, Goulder notes that because female fetuses share the same innate immune system as their mothers, the virus transmitted to them is an HIV strain that has become resistant to the female innate immune response.
There could also be other explanations for the long-lasting suppression seen in some children. In some cases, Goulder has observed that the transmitted strain of HIV has been weakened through needing to undergo changes to circumvent the mother’s adaptive immune response, the part of the immune system which learns to target specific viruses and other pathogens. He has also noted that male infants experience particularly large surges of testosterone in the first six months of life—a period known as “mini-puberty”—which can enhance their immune system in various ways that help them fight the virus.
Such revelations are particularly tantalizing as HIV researchers are starting to get access to a far more potent toolbox of therapeutics. Leading the way are so-called bNAbs, or broadly neutralizing antibodies, which have the ability to recognize and fight many different strains of HIV, as well as stimulating the immune system to destroy cells where HIV is hiding. There are also a growing number of therapeutic vaccines in development that can train the immune system’s T cells to target and destroy HIV reservoirs. Children tend to respond to various vaccines better than adults, and Goulder says that if some children are already proving relatively adept at controlling the virus on the back of standard antiretrovirals, these additional therapeutics could give them the additional assistance they need to eradicate HIV altogether.
In the coming years, this is set to be tested in several clinical trials. Cotton is leading the most ambitious attempt, which will see HIV-infected children receive a combination of antiretroviral therapy, three bNAbs, and a vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, while in a separate trial, Goulder is examining the potential of a different bNAb together with antiretrovirals to see whether it can help more children achieve long-term remission.
“We think that adding the effects of these broadly neutralizing antibodies to antiretrovirals will help us chip away at what is needed to achieve a cure,” says Goulder. “It’s a little bit like with leukemia, where treatments have steadily improved, and now the outlook for most children affected is incredibly good. Realistically in most cases, curing HIV probably requires a few hits from different angles, impacting the way that the virus can grow, and tackling it with different immune responses at the same time to essentially force it into a cul-de-sac that it can’t escape from.”
Children are also being viewed as the ideal target population for an even more ambitious experimental treatment, a one-time gene therapy that delivers instructions directing the body’s own muscle cells to produce a continuous stream of bNAbs, without the need for repeated infusions. Maurico Martins, an associate professor at the University of Florida, who is pioneering this new approach, feels that it could represent a particularly practical strategy for low-income countries where HIV transmission to children is particularly rife, and mothers often struggle to keep their children on repeated medication.
“In regions like Uganda or parts of South Africa where this is very prevalent, you could also give this therapy to a baby right after birth as a preventative measure, protecting the newborn child against acquisition of HIV through breastfeeding and maybe even through sexual intercourse later in life,” says Martins.
While Martins also hopes that gene therapy could benefit HIV-infected adults in future, he feels it has more of a chance of initially succeeding in children because their nascent immune systems are less likely to launch what he calls an anti-drug response that can destroy the therapeutic bNAbs.
“It’s very difficult for most antibodies to recognize the HIV envelope protein because it’s buried deep within a sugar coat,” says Martins. “To overcome that, these bNAbs carry a lot of mutations and extensions to their arms which allow them to penetrate that sugar coat. But the problem then is that they’re often viewed by your own immune system as foreign, and it starts making these anti-bNAb antibodies.”
But when Martins tested the therapy in newborn rhesus macaques, it was far more effective. “We found that the first few days or two weeks after birth comprised a sort of sweet spot for this gene therapy,” he says. “And that’s why this could really work very well in treating and preventing pediatric HIV infections.”
Like many HIV scientists, Martins has run into recent funding challenges, with a previous commitment from the National Institutes of Health to support a clinical trial of the novel therapy in HIV-infected children being withdrawn. However, he is hoping that the trial will still go ahead. “We’re now talking with the Gates Foundation to see whether they can sponsor it,” he says.
While children still comprise the minority of overall HIV infections, being able to cure them may yield further insights that help with the wider goal of an overall curative therapy.
“We can learn a lot from them because they are different,” says Goulder. “I think we can learn how to achieve a cure in kids if we continue along this pathway, and from there, that will have applications in adults as well.”
Vivobarefoot’s Sensus Shoes Are Like Gloves for Your Feet
Vivobarefoot’s barely there shoes are perfect for casual wear, workouts, trail running, and walking around town.
Courtesy of REI
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Love them or hate them, barefoot shoes are polarizing. But they are becoming big business, both for fashion (a subject in which I am, admittedly, not an expert) and for health and wellness. This is a relatively recent development. Before 2019, I did what most of us do and wore highly padded shoes because that’s what modern shoe companies sold us. But I did have a long history of going barefoot, from growing up at the beach.
Like most people who start looking into barefoot shoes, I started having foot pain. My heels began to hurt when I walked. Plantar fasciitis was the problem, and the conventional wisdom is to get shoes with even more padding. But I started reading about people who cured their various foot issues by going barefoot, or at least turning to “zero drop” shoes, where the bed of the shoe is flat from toe to heel. My wife also transitioned to barefoot shoes after foot surgery failed to fix her foot issues and she's never had a problem since.
It seems a lot of people are catching on to barefoot shoes—the sandals, at least. Some fashion brands, like Miu Miu, have recently released expensive versions of the Xero Genesis paracord sandals.
The idea behind barefoot shoes is to eliminate arch support, widen the front of the shoe so your toes can splay out, and let your foot move the way it evolved to move. In 2020, I wrote about my experience with Xero’s Z-Trails, and moved quickly on to the even more minimalist Z-Treks. I still wear the Z-Treks today.
Barefoot shoes—not sandals—are harder to find. The Vibram FiveFingers are the iconic barefoot shoe, but those look a little goofy. For a long time, my solution has been to spend as much time as I could in climates where the Z-Treks were suitable. Living in an RV allowed me to go where the weather suited my clothes, so I did. Eventually though, the weather catches up to you. Also, it's just nice to have at least one pair of shoes you love.
Late last year, Vivobarefoot released the Sensus shoe. Vivobarefoot was founded in 2010 by Galahad and Asher Clark (yes, those Clarks), and it specializes in super-thin shoes that let you feel the ground. What immediately jumped out at me about the Sensus was the low, 3-mm sole. Vivobarefoot sent me a pair to test, and they quickly became my favorite shoes (the downside being the interesting, uh, style, which my daughter describes at “elfin”).
Luckily for me, I don't care what they look like as much as I care what they feel like, and the Sensus fit my feet like a pair of gloves. There's no insole, so there's almost no cushioning, just enough outsole to save you from sharp objects on the ground.
These are very well-made, durable shoes. The construction is excellent, and the stitching on the bottom—something that worried me when I first saw it—has held up well for almost a year with no signs of wear (the soles are also replaceable).
This is where the curious look comes in. The side stitching that attaches the upper to the outsole isn't just for that sweet elfin styling, it's also to increase the range of motion your foot has when walking.
More than anything else, this is the genius of the Sensus. The flexibility of the shoe increases the range of motion your foot has when walking. The double-stitched wild hide upper is actually three pieces brought together around the laces, which also helps increase the possible range of motion. Your foot can easily roll as you walk on the ground. I do occasionally hit a piece of gravel that I can feel (not in a good way), but otherwise there's enough padding that you don't have to think about where you step, but plenty of barefoot feel to make them an enjoyable shoe to walk and run in.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
There are small cuts in the leather upper, which makes it nicely breathable. It's not nearly as breathable as a mesh upper. (If that's what you're after, check out the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5, which have a similar minimalist 4-mm outsole, though the fit is very different.) I probably wouldn't choose these for a desert hike in August, but I find them perfectly comfortable for barefoot running well into the upper 80s.
The insides of the leather are also incredibly soft. This is the only shoe, barefoot or otherwise, that I've ever worn without socks and enjoyed the experience. The other really nice detail on the Sensus is the extra padding just below the ankle, which helps keep your heel locked in place and is a big part of what makes these feel like a glove for your foot.
Another part of the Sensus’ appeal is the versatility—it's an all-around excellent shoe. They're nice as casual everyday-wear shoes, but they're also good for working out (I find the soles provide just the right amount of traction for lunges), running, and walks around town. I've even done some hikes in them, though scrambling over wet rocks along a river did make me wish for more traction.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
The uppers have proved nicely waterproof thus far. They will wet out some if you wade a stream or walk for hours in the rain, but you can always seal them. Vivobarefoot recommends Renapur Leather Balsam; I've used it on several Vivobarefoot shoes with good results, though I haven't put it on my Sensus yet.
I will say that they don't have the super-wide toe box found in some Vivobarefoot models (the Addis for example), but despite years of barefoot shoes, my feet are still on the narrow side, so this doesn't bother me, especially given how well these allow your foot to move.
The Sensus has proved everything I wanted in a barefoot shoe. The ultra-thin 3-mm sole offers enough protection while still maintaining excellent sensitivity to the ground; the leather is flexible and comfortable, and it's a great shoe for everything from walks in the woods to morning workouts. They’re not a good choice if you're brand-new to barefoot shoes, but for everyone else, try the Sensus.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Assembly requires some skill. A Brompton is probably the smarter pick. My husband says I look weird.
For the past few weeks, I have been pedaling around the world’s tiniest folding Bosch ebike as my kids (8 and 10) regard me with mingled delight and disgust. My son tried to ride away on it, with the convincing argument that this is not an adult bike, it’s a kid’s bike. I lock it up on the same rack next to my daughter’s mountain bike, and she notes that her bike is taller than mine. I ignore them all. I love this tiny bike.
Oregon-based Bike Friday hand-builds folding bikes of every variety, but as a small person (I’m 5’2”), I am a particular fan of the company’s tiny, light, folding bicycles. The bikes have gone up in price considerably since I first reviewed the Haul-A-Day in 2020 as one of the more affordable family electric bikes. Since then, the company has been slowly repositioning itself as a premium, custom-fitted ebike manufacturer, at a corresponding price. The All-Day is even more expensive than the electric Brompton G Line.
Still, the motor is powerful, it’s lighter than the Brompton, and you can customize it in every way—including in a variety of playful colors and cables! I am a big advocate for a tiny bike that you can carry, fold, and lock up wherever. This one feels as big as you could need.
Whatever You Want
Photograph: Adrienne So
As befits a custom-built bike, Bike Friday consulted with me beforehand on what options I preferred. Not only can you pick what color you want your bike to be, but you can also pick the components (flat or drop handlebars? Basic 9-speed? Shimano hub or Rohloff belt drive?). Be warned, however, that picking your heart’s delight will add up to a staggering price. I requested the 14-speed Rohloff hub with the belt drive, and it added a cool $3,290 to the $5,200 price.
It has a 600-watt Bosch Performance SX mid-drive motor with a little Purion display that’s compatible with the Bosch eBike Flow app. Overall, it's a shockingly powerful motor and long-lived battery for a bike this size (in comparison, the Brompton G-line has a 250-watt motor).
It arrived swaddled in many layers of paper stuffing and bubble wrap. While Bike Friday is direct-to-customer, that customer is not precisely the same person as the one who might buy, say, a direct-to-consumer Lectric or an Aventon. Bike Friday is a specialty brand for bike people, and I did have to know what I was doing, as well as have access to my own Allen and pedal wrenches. If you were less confident in your bike-building skills, I would suggest contracting with a shop.
Photograph: Adrienne So
The frame is chromoly steel, which is my favorite frame material. It might not be quite as light as aluminum or carbon, but it’s known for absorbing shock and being durable, which extends the life of the bike by quite a bit. My own favorite Surly bikes are chromoly.
Regarding the fold: Technically, it does take about 20 seconds, as Bike Friday claims. But you can’t compare it to a Brompton fast-fold. A Brompton is a miracle of engineering—not only does it fold compactly, but it also locks together quickly and can be picked up one-handed or pushed around on its wheels onto a train. The Bike Friday fold is a little unwieldy. It took me a minute to puzzle out how to do it, and you need to unwind and rewind Velcro straps. It's not a fold you want to do on a crowded subway platform as you're racing to catch the train.
A Brompton is a last-mile bike. In contrast, the All-Day is a traveling bike that can fit into a checked suitcase. On that note, you can’t fly with the battery in checked luggage, so if you bring it with you, you’ll have to ride around like an analog tiny bike.
Teeny Tiny
Photograph: Adrienne So
I am a big fan of a micro bike. If your bike has a motor and you don’t have to pedal tiny 20-inch wheels like you’re a clown in the circus, then the weight savings and the overall convenience are just too powerful to ignore. I really love this bike in particular. The frame absorbs so many more bumps and bangs than you would think, for a tiny bike with relatively tiny wheels.
I can fit it in the trunk of my car or wedge it into the most crowded bike rack for a weekend jazz festival. My burly Hiplok bike lock fits into the tiny frame, and my Po Campo tote works with the tiny folding rack. The tiny wheels are so maneuverable on city streets that I took this bike on outings where a bigger bike might’ve made more sense.
It’s so cute that random strangers warned me that my bike might get stolen when I parked it around my neighborhood, and friends were irresistibly compelled to jump on it when they saw me with it. This might depend on the neighborhood that you live in, but 20-inch wheels are also much less likely to get stolen, since they’re a lot less versatile than normal-size bike wheels.
Overall, if you can overlook how silly you might look on such a tiny bike, there are so many more advantages. The battery life is incredibly long because, well, it’s moving much less mass. While the Tern GSD ate up 50 percent of the battery on a 12-mile ride, the same ride on the All-Day only ate up 15 percent of the battery. (I also weigh only 115 pounds, so factor that in when considering your mileage. The lightest version of the bike also only has a weight capacity of 190 pounds.) You also have the option of a battery extender.
Photograph: Adrienne So
Bike Friday touts this as the lightest Bosch electric bike. Bosch is one of the most reliable systems, and I would pay much more for a Bosch system. Still, the Brompton has a few key advantages. You don’t have to assemble the Brompton. It’s distributed through bike shops, which can also handle assembly and repair. The Brompton is also easier to fold and more versatile.
But if customization was top of mind—and for many bike people, it is—I would probably go with the All-Day, especially if you’re a strange-sized person (extremely small or extremely tall), or you have specific needs. The motor is more powerful if your commute involves a lot of hills, and you can pick a belt drive if it's rainy where you live. I found the process of picking one out with the Bike Friday team to be delightful, and biking around with it even more so.
If you want a convenient, versatile commuter, go with the Brompton. If, however, you find customization and a powerful motor to be more persuasive, go with the Bike Friday. And you can't get the Brompton in purple (yet).
Your gadgets run on direct current, but the electricity in your home is alternating current. What’s up with that?
Photo-Illustration: Wired Staff/Getty Images
As the story goes, the rock band AC/DC took its name from a label on an old sewing machine in the Young brothers’ home. It must have meant that the machine could run on either alternating-current or direct-current electricity. Today, all the newfangled electronic devices in our homes run only on DC power—even lighting fixtures, now that LEDs have replaced incandescent bulbs.
But wait. The electricity that comes out of your wall socket is alternating current. That means each device needs to convert AC power to DC, as well as reducing the voltage to the much lower levels used in digital circuits. So you might well ask: Wouldn’t it make more sense to have DC outlets in your home?
That’s a great question, and it’s actually one that sparked a big debate back in the early days of electrification. Thomas Edison favored DC circuits, but Nikola Tesla thought AC circuits were the way to go. Clearly Tesla won that argument. Let’s see why!
What Is Electricity?
Electricity is a flow of electrons through a conducting material like a metal wire. You can kind of think of the electrical grid as a system of rivers and streams with current flowing through them. In a river, a difference in elevation causes water to move downhill; in a power line, the force driving the current is voltage—a difference in potential energy between two points in a circuit.
That analogy works for direct current, anyway. But in most grids, electrical power is transmitted with alternating voltage. That means the negative and positive poles flip back and forth, causing the electrons to endlessly lurch forward and backward instead of traveling in a continuous stream.
As you can imagine, that makes alternating current more complicated to deal with. So Edison had a point: Direct current is much simpler. In fact, anyone can make a DC circuit. All you need is a battery and a wire to connect the positive and negative electrodes. You can even make your own battery. Just get two different metals, like zinc and copper, and stick them in opposite ends of a potato. The acid in the potato juice reacts differently with the two metals, creating a tiny amount of voltage—enough to light up a small LED. DC is easy.
Direct-Current Toaster
For example, suppose you wanted to create a DC toaster. A toaster is basically a box with a wire inside that gets hot when current runs through it. And let’s say this toaster requires 1,000 watts of power. Oh, power? That's the time (t) rate of energy (E). So if you put 1 joule of energy into a wire in 1 second, that would be 1 watt of power (P):
Rhett Allain
For electrical power in particular, we can calculate that as the product of the electric current (I) and the voltage (V):
Rhett Allain
With that, we can draw a simple toaster circuit diagram:
Rhett Allain
The nichrome wire inside the toaster is not a good conductor. It impedes the flow of current, causing the wire to heat up. So it’s basically a device for converting electrical energy into thermal energy. In the diagram above, R stands for the amount of resistance, which is measured in ohms.
So let's say our DC power supply runs at 10 volts. We can use this to find the level of resistance needed to get our toast nice and toasty. There is a relationship between the current (I) and voltage (V) for a resistor called Ohm's law, and that gives us the following expression for power:
Rhett Allain
With 10 volts, we need a resistance of 0.1 ohms (which is tiny) to get a power of 1,000 watts. But wait—it’s not just the heating element inside that creates resistance in the circuit. The power cord that you plug into the wall also has resistance. The copper wire inside the cord is a good conductor, but the length of the cord itself increases the resistance.
To make things easy, imagine that the power cord also has a 0.1-ohm resistance, so the total resistance in the circuit is 0.2 ohms. That means we’d get a lower electrical current, and the power to the toaster would be just 250 watts. That's going to be some un-toasty toast.
To fix this, we have to increase the voltage of the power source. Let's ramp that up to 100 volts. In that case our toaster could be 10 ohms, so the 0.1-ohm power cord won't matter much. Well, it's not a problem for a 3-foot power cord in your home. But what about the transmission lines from the power station to your town? These can be over 100 kilometers long.
With much longer wires you get much more resistance, which means those wires will get hot and waste energy. Again, the solution is to use a higher-voltage source. Remember P = IV ? That says you can deliver the same power by having a stupid-high voltage with stupid-low current.
Yes, you solve one problem and it just makes another problem. Suppose the wall outlet is 10,000-volt DC. Oh, but you want to charge your phone, and it needs 5-volt DC. How do you do that? OK, there is a way to make it work. You could put a large resistor in series with your phone and it would convert electrical energy to heat. But again, that’s just throwing away energy.
Alternating-Current Toaster
So what happens if we switch to alternating current? Remember, AC circuits are created by flipping the positive and negative poles back and forth, so the voltage alternates between a positive value and a negative value (meaning the direction of electron flow changes). Here is a plot of voltage as a function of time for the two types of current.
Rhett Allain
The DC source has a constant voltage, so that’s the flat blue line above. The AC source (red) has a voltage that oscillates between +10 and –10 volts, and there are times when the voltage is actually zero. In this made-up example, you can see that the voltage switches eight times in half a second. Real household AC varies, but in the US it averages around 120 volts (plus and minus) with a frequency of 60 hertz.
If we take our toaster and plug it into a 60-Hz AC outlet, it’ll run just fine. Since it works by just making a wire hot, it doesn't matter if it has DC or AC current—either way it gets hot. Same for incandescent light bulbs. In fact, they’re really not very different from toasters; it’s just that the thin tungsten wire in a bulb gets so hot (up to 4,500 degrees F) that it glows and produces light.
AC Power Is More Efficient
With AC, we still have the same problem with long power lines. You need to have high voltage and low current so you don't lose too much energy from hot wires. But AC has a nice advantage: It's easy to take that high voltage and change it to a low voltage. This is possible because of the oscillating nature of the current and Faraday’s law of induction.
Faraday's law says that if you change the strength of a magnetic field inside a loop of wire, you will produce an electric current. In the clip below, you can see that when I stick a strong magnet into a coil of wire or pull it out, the current level (measured in amps) jumps up.
Rhett Allain
You can also do this without a magnet if you use two coils of wire. In the video below, I’m connecting and disconnecting a little coin battery to a primary coil. (You can’t see the coils, but they’re inside the small gray box in the foreground.)
The secondary coil isn’t connected to any power source. But the changing current in the primary coil makes a changing magnetic field, and that induces a current in the secondary coil. Even with this tiny battery you can see that I get a big induced current. Check it out:
Rhett Allain
But that’s not all! We can change the voltage induced in the second coil by changing the ratio of the number of loops in each coil. If the induced coil has 100 loops and the primary coil has 1,000 loops, the induced voltage will be 100/1,000 or 0.1 times the input. If you reverse that, you can get an output voltage that is 10 times the input.
We call this a transformer (because it transforms the voltage). They are kind of a big deal. Here's what a small one looks like inside:
Rhett Allain
This is one of those “power bricks” that all your gadgets use to plug into a wall socket. The two coils are side by side, and you can see that the one on the right has more “turns” than the one on the left. So, if you have a 120-volt AC input, the output will be lower (in this case it's 12 volts). There's some other stuff in there that takes that lower-voltage AC and turns it into a DC output; that's called a voltage rectifier.
Just to be clear, you can't use an AC transformer with a DC circuit. I mean it's technically possible to take a DC input, convert it to AC, and then transform it—but why do the extra stuff when you can just deliver AC power to houses? That's exactly what we do. When you see those giant high-voltage transmission lines, they are super-high-voltage AC circuits.
So here's how it works. You have some power station that runs on fossil fuels or hydroelectric or whatever. You need to make this an AC output and then ramp up the voltage to something crazy like 100,000 volts. This means you can send it on the long power lines at very low current so there isn't much power loss.
When a power line gets to a town, it goes into a substation. This is basically just another giant transformer that reduces the AC voltage to something more manageable, like 10,000 volts. Finally, the current goes through one more transformer to get it to the 240-volt AC that enters your house. Big appliances like clothes dryers use the whole 240 V, and for your electrical outlets that gets cut in half to give you 120 V.
But none of this would be possible with DC power. It just wouldn't be practical. AC rules!
The Best Fitness Trackers and Watches for Everyone
Whether you’re skiing in the backcountry or trampolining in the backyard, we have an activity tracker for you.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Like every piece of gear you wear on your body day in and day out, fitness trackers are incredibly personal. The best fitness tracker should be comfortable, attractive, and fit your lifestyle, including when and how you like to work out. Do you bike, row, or do strength training? Do you run on trails for hours at a time, or do you just want a reminder to stand up every hour? Do you want to wear it on your wrist or your finger or tuck it into your bra?
No matter what your needs are, there’s never been a better time to find a powerful, sophisticated tool that can help you optimize your workouts or jump-start your routine. We test dozens of fitness trackers every year while running, climbing, hiking, or just doing workout videos on our iPads at night, to bring you these picks.
Even as Fitbit has faced stiff competition from other manufacturers—most notably, the Apple Watch—its trackers have always won me over. They hit a very specific sweet spot between attractiveness, affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. They're perfect for everyone who isn't an ultra-marathoner or a semipro powerlifter trying to hit a PR, and Fitbits are compatible with iOS and Android.
The Fitbit Charge 6 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) now has many integrations from Google, Fitbit's parent company. The redesigned app looks much more modern and is much better organized. You can now get directions from Google Maps, pay with Google Wallet, and control your music with a YouTube Music Premium subscription. You can also check your skin temperature and 24/7 heart rate readings, take ECGs, and track your activities and sleep schedule in the newly Google-fied app. The battery charge lasted well over a week, and the physical button is back, baby! Finally, this comes in a package that costs $160 (though it's often on sale).
Last summer, Fitbit also rolled out several updates. Improvements to the algorithm now mean that the heart rate tracking is more accurate; it can also auto-detect more sports, like the elliptical and spinning, and the GPS accuracy has improved. Many of its best features are still locked behind its $10/month Fitbit Premium subscription. But if all you want is a basic fitness tracker that won't break the bank, the Charge only costs $160. Read our Best Fitbits guide for more options.
Garmin also makes wonderful, accurate fitness trackers that work well with iOS and Android. This year's Vivoactive 6 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the latest, midrange addition to Garmin's lifestyle Vivoactive line. While the Amazfit Active 2 below is equally beautiful, the Vivoactive 6 is accurate as well as attractive, and draws upon the predictive powers of Garmin's many proprietary algorithms like Morning Report and Body Battery.
It has onboard satellite connectivity so it doesn't need to be tethered to your phone, and a bright AMOLED display that lets you see your stats, unlike Garmin's entry-level Vivomove line. It also has blood oxygen monitoring in addition to sleep tracking, heart rate measurements, and incident detection to tell your emergency contacts if you fall. Garmin also recently launched a subscription service, Connect+, which is $70 per year and gets you features like live tracking on compatible smartphones (similar to what you'd get with an Apple Watch) as well as Garmin's AI-powered Active Intelligence. One of the biggest pluses with a Garmin is that its Connect software has always been free, and my experience with Connect+ is that you can do without it. However, I will say that it's the only AI-powered fitness service that I've tried so far that gave me useful insights, like telling me that I need to get my nighttime scaries under control when I'm sleeping.
I wear an Oura Ring 4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) constantly. The latest updated version has new colors and a wider range of sizes, and the sensors are recessed inside the body of the ring to make it thinner and lighter. The sensors are also placed asymmetrically and, combined with a new Smart Sensing algorithm, continuously adapt to taking the best measurement at any given time, no matter what's going on with your hands. (No, don't tell me.)
While the Garmin Fenix 8 is one of the best fitness trackers on the market, the Oura Ring caught a night of insomnia and several more hikes per day. The battery life is also better than the last Oura Ring, and the app is easy to navigate. The experimental Oura Labs feature lets the company continuously test new features, like Meals, which lets you update pictures of your meals for AI analysis, and Symptom Radar, which tracks metrics like resting heart rate and temperature trends, to let you know if you've started exhibiting cold- or flu-like symptoms. Moreover, the company is continually updating its software. Its latest integration is with the Dexcom Stelo (see below). Now I can layer my glucose measurements in Oura's Timeline feature to see how my activity level and meals reduce my glucose readings.
The best features are still paywalled behind the $6/month Oura membership. Non-paying members are stuck with the basics: Sleep, Readiness, and Activity scores, as well as the Explore content, which includes meditation videos and advice clips that I have mostly found useless.
Whoop's business model is unique. If you commit to a year-long subscription fee for the price of a regular fitness tracker, the company throws in the sensor for free. (You have to buy the additional Whoop Body garments yourself.) The company recently updated the wearable to the new Whoop 5.0 and the Whoop MG (8/10, WIRED Recommends); both are smaller and more energy-efficient, and the Whoop MG has ECG capabilities and the ability to take your blood pressure via a proprietary algorithm—a feature which even the Apple Watch has yet to offer.
Whoop has taken several measures to make its biometrics more appealing to everyday users, as well as performance athletes. For example, it now counts your steps in addition to its proprietary Strain algorithm, which now takes into account muscular as well as cardiovascular effort. There are also new Healthspan and Pace of Aging features, which let you see how the decisions you make will increase your lifespan (theoretically). It's worth noting that Whoop membership now has three tiers and that to get the new Healthspan, ECG, and blood pressure capabilities, you have to pay for the highest Whoop Life tier at $359/year. However, that is what the original $30/month Whoop membership cost, and Whoop throws in the updated Whoop MG for free.
I tested the Whoop MG with the Whoop Life membership. Blood pressure readings have to be calibrated with a separate cuff, but Whoop's algorithm appears to be in line with the cuff's readings. The Whoop MG is noticeably smaller than the Whoop 4.0. It's screenless and works when slipped into my clothes. All that is to say, the new Whoop offers many more useful features for basically the same price and is the only wrist-worn tracker to currently offer blood pressure readings if you're worried about hypertension, which alone makes it an enticing pick.
No tracker I've tested has generated as much interest as a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). It's a small, Bluetooth-enabled sensor with a tiny needle that slides under your skin. When you click it onto your arm with the included dispenser, it feels like getting flicked with a finger. It doesn't hurt while you're wearing it, but it does fall off and needs to be replaced every two weeks. These were originally approved for use by diabetics, but are now approved to be sold commercially.
I also tested the Abbott Lingo, but I like the Dexcom Stelo better. The dispenser is easier to use, the application process is friendlier and more secure, and the app is simpler—no proprietary metrics to confuse you. Dexcom also has partnerships with both Oura and Apple, so your glucose data can seamlessly integrate with your other trackers. The app sends you a glucose spike alert every time you've stressed your body out by eating too much sugar or carbs instead of protein and fiber. A 2018 Stanford study also showed that many people have prolonged blood sugar spikes and don't know it, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and other bad outcomes down the road. I find it a little difficult, mentally and emotionally, to monitor my food intake this closely. If you're prediabetic or a pro athlete who wants to optimize their fueling, you've probably been waiting for a good commercially available CGM for some time. Now it's here.
The Amazfit Active 2 packs a ton of functionality in a tracker that is only $100. It has the usual bevy of sensors (photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometric altimeter, ambient light, and temperature sensors) that do all the usual things, like track your sleep, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation. It also has up to 164 workout modes and long battery life, all in an attractive, stainless steel case rated for 5 ATM water resistance. I jumped into pools and hot tubs wearing it without any damage.
It also has other features that are startling at this price, like mapping on the large, bright AMOLED touchscreen. You can download maps—even ski resort maps—to get directions. Amazfit has partnerships with trendy fitness and wellness companies like Hyrox, the current CrossFit competitor, and Wild.AI, which lets women optimize their workouts according to their menstrual cycles. OK, not all of these features work exactly as promised. The watch did not auto-recognize my strength training exercises, the sleep tracking was not nearly as sensitive as my Oura ring, and the map put a river next to my house where there is a street. Still, these don't seem like problems that will be that difficult to iron out. This watch made me rethink the value proposition of fitness trackers entirely. Did I mention it costs $100?
Garmin has combined features from its previous Epix and Fenix lines back into the Fenix 8 AMOLED. You get the updated, hugely bright AMOLED screen of the Epix with the much longer battery life of the Fenix (longer than two weeks for the 47-mm model, in my testing). It also comes in the Fenix E version ($800), which is cheaper and has a less-bright MIP display. Now there's also dynamic routing, which lets you enter how far you want to go into the watch and then it will route you home on time. This is why you buy a Garmin outdoors watch—so you can figure out where you are and find your way home.
This is the best outdoor sports watch money can buy. It's compatible with both Android phones and iPhones, and the screen is ridiculously bright—not that it gets super sunny in Oregon in the winter, but it's noticeably brighter outdoors than other Garmin displays. You get everything you need for almost every sport, most notably Garmin's proprietary off-grid maps, which includes SkiView for ski resort maps, and golf course maps. There are leakproof buttons for scuba and a microphone and speaker for voice commands when you're off-grid. There's a built-in flashlight! No more relying on a phone flashlight with a 17 percent battery when you're out hiking later than you expected.
Garmin Connect is included with the purchase of the watch, which means that you won't have to pay a subscription fee to use its best features, which now include suggested strength-training workouts if you've also become recently obsessed with weight lifting to prevent you from disintegrating into a bag of dust. The one thing I found in my testing is that it's less sensitive in sleep tracking and incidental activity tracking than my Oura ring. This is less useful if you want just an everyday fitness tracker. But if you love outdoor sports, there's none better.
The Garmin Forerunner 970 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the latest, high-end iteration of Garmin's storied running line. It has the biggest, brightest, shiniest AMOLED screen; two weeks of battery life; the best training algorithms and suggestions; and fun extras, like an in-device flashlight and a speaker and mic for using voice commands.
New training features include your Running Tolerance score, which uses your Acute Impact Load to measure not just how far you ran, but how hard the run felt. It also has Step Speed Loss and Running Economy to help you run more efficiently, although it also needs the new HRM 600 ($170) to measure these. It also has map and navigational features that have been cribbed from the Fenix line, like Round Trip Routing, that will help you plan routes and get you back to your starting point. Garmin also released the new midrange Forerunner 570 ($550) this year, which is cheaper but also has shorter battery life, less-premium materials (Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Sapphire, aluminum bezel vs. titanium), less memory at 8 GB vs. 32 GB, no built-in mapping, and no flashlight. It's also worth noting here that Garmin Forerunners age very well, and older models are frequently on sale.
The Fitbit Ace LTE (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the first fitness tracker I've gotten my kids to wear consistently. (They used to wear Apple Watches, but found it difficult to keep them charged.) The Ace is a combination fitness tracker, gaming device, and location tracker that has been incredibly useful and fun for both me and my children as they've moved from camp to lesson to pool to neighbor's house this summer.
It has the full suite of Fitbit's health sensors, so it can track my kids' step count and make sure they're not spending too much time in front of the TV. The $10/monthly subscription pays for both LTE connectivity—so you don't have to add a line to your cell phone plan—as well as Fitbit Arcade, which has a plethora of fun, time-limited, movement-based games that incentivize my children to keep their watches on. They can call and text me (sometimes too often) and other approved contacts through the Fitbit Ace app, and I can also see their location via Google Find My to make sure they made it back home from a field trip. This has made our summer so much easier. Its childlike aesthetic is probably not going to appeal to kids older than 11, though.
People tend to hold on to their Apple Watch for years, and rightfully so—it is far and away the best fitness tracker if you have an iPhone. For its 10th anniversary, Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 10 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It still doesn't have blood oxygen sensing due to a patent dispute, but in almost every other way, this is still a significant upgrade. The standout feature is sleep apnea notifications. The watch uses an accelerometer and machine learning to check if you have breathing disturbances at night, convenient considering that the current way to test for sleep apnea is to go to a hospital for a sleep study.
There are a bunch of subtle hardware updates too—it's thinner, lighter, easier to wear, and charges faster. It has a new water-temperature sensor, which is vital if you live in an area where people tend to conk out in too-cold water. It's also compatible with the health-related software updates in WatchOS 26, which offers perhaps overly-chirpy AI-enabled personalized health recommendations. You can also get WatchOS 26 on the second-gen Watch SE, but you won't get the more advanced health sensors like wrist-based body temperature sensing. Even with that significant ding of no blood oxygen sensing, this is still the best fitness tracker if you have an iPhone.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best Wear OS watch for folks with an Android phone and the best-looking smartwatch, period. It comes in two sizes, and WIRED reviewer Julian Chokkattu and I both strongly recommend that you stick with the larger 45-mm model for better battery life. The focus of the latest edition of the Pixel Watch was running, with AI-generated running plans and a new feature called Cardio Load that can track if you’re over- or under-training. As a longtime runner, my experience was mixed, but Julian liked Fitbit’s basic, low-intensity plans (Google owns Fitbit).
With that said, the Fitbit integration is perfect. The heart rate monitor and other health capabilities are accurate, and it has electrocardiogram readings, sleep tracking, heart rate readings, blood-oxygen measurements, and stress measurements. It also has the latest flashy new feature, Loss of Pulse Detection, which is a helpful feature if your heart stops beating and you go unconscious with no one else around. After several years and a shaky start, the Pixel Watch 3 is finally becoming the Apple Watch of the Android universe.
If you own a Samsung phone and a Samsung Galaxy ring, you should also own a Samsung Galaxy Watch8. The ring and watch share health monitoring tasks when worn together, which extends the battery life considerably. The new standout features for the Watch8 include Samsung's new “squircle” design (what the company is calling a “cushion” design) and a bevy of new health features.
Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index join the AGEs index in offering different metrics to look at your health. Samsung says Vascular Load measures the load on your vascular system (your blood vessels that carry blood throughout your body), which will help you gauge whether habits like drinking alcohol or eating a lot of sodium are affecting your long-term health risk. Unfortunately, neither Julian nor I got actionable results. While in theory, Antioxidant Index seems like a good way to judge if you're eating enough vegetables, the results were so off-base that it made me laugh. The watch told me my Antioxidant Index was low and I need to eat more canned pumpkin puree, when I live in Portland, Oregon, at the height of fruiting season and snack on fresh berries and plums on every dog walk. The watch is beautiful and easier to use than ever, but the new health features definitely need some work.
Do you want a tracker that doesn’t look like a tracker at all? Then you want the Withings ScanWatch 2 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). We loved the original ScanWatch (and the Withings Steel before that). This version includes everything we love, including comfort, good looks, long battery life, and a comprehensive suite of health features. It also includes temperature tracking, a new charger, and an unfortunate and unpalatable price hike.
My colleague Simon Hill found the health features comprehensive and generally accurate, including the new temperature tracker. (I tested it as well and found that it wasn't quite sensitive enough to predict my menstrual cycle with the accuracy of the Oura Ring.) One of the most touted new features is Withings' new Cardio Check-Up. Withings' board of certified cardiologists will review ECG data from your watch and send you a medical review of your cardiac health directly through the app. Like many of Withings' best features, Cardio Check-Up is locked behind a $10/month subscription.
If this sounds a bit too pricey for you, you may want to consider the ScanWatch Light ($250), which doesn't have the ECG, irregular heart rate warnings, blood oxygen, or temperature tracking but costs $120 less.
Most fitness trackers have a built-in heart rate monitor, but if you're engaging in long sessions of intense aerobic activity, you'll get greater accuracy if you use a separate strap on your bicep or around your chest. Of the heart rate monitors we tested, my colleague Michael Sawh likes Polar's the best. Polar replaced the typical loop-and-hook connector with a much more comfortable buckle connector, along with small silicone dots to make sure the monitor stays in place.
Comfort and security mean that the readings are much more accurate; Sawh saw (hah!) no drop-outs or underreporting or overreporting of data. It also has built-in memory and ANT+ connectivity, so you can connect to other equipment like bike trainers. You also don't have to replace the battery for up to a year.
Specs
Battery life
Up to 400 hours
Water resistance
Waterproof
Incident detection
No
Blood oxygen monitoring
No
Other Fitness Trackers to Consider
Photograph: Adrienne So
Garmin Instinct 3 for $400: Garmin's Instinct line doesn't have as many high-end features as the Fenix 8, but it's popular because it's cheaper and it has a cool, chunky retro aesthetic that I love. This year's updates include the built-in flashlight and a new reinforced bezel, which is good considering that I still managed to bang up the Fenix and Epix watches quite a bit. For more information, check out our guide to the Best Garmin Watches.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $799: Apple did not significantly upgrade its rugged outdoor watch this year (8/10, WIRED Recommends) beyond giving it a very cool new black finish, but it is still the best outdoors watch if you have an iPhone. It has a faster chipset, second-gen ultra-wideband chip, and compatibility with WatchOS 26, with AI-enabled personalized health recommendations.
Garmin Venu 3 for $350: There's nothing wrong with Garmin's pricier premium hybrid fitness tracker-sports watch. However, its standout feature is that you can take calls from your wrist, and when I tried it with my spouse, he said it sounded like I was calling from the bottom of a barrel. There are other Garmins with similar functionality that are better-priced.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
OnePlus Watch 3 for $287: My kingdom for a smartwatch that can last more than a day! The OnePlus Watch 3 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) can last for five days on a single charge. OnePlus now includes many by-now standard health features, like fall detection, a skin temperature sensor, irregular heart rate notifications, and an electrocardiogram. This is another great pick if you want a smartwatch that's also a good fitness tracker.
Suunto Run for $249: I love how light and slim this watch is (36 grams), especially in the now sold-out Lime. It has a bright AMOLED screen, two weeks of battery life, and accurate dual-frequency satellites. But Suunto's software is clunky and difficult to navigate when compared to Garmin's, Coros's, or Apple's. Offline maps are also not supported.
Amazfit Bip 6 for $80: Amazfit's trackers are improving so quickly! Like the Active 2, the Bip 6 is a gorgeous little watch, with a brilliant, big, and responsive AMOLED screen, well over a week of battery life, and 140 sport modes. I still find the tracker and the Zepp app to occasionally be laughably inaccurate, but it's cheap and comfortable and works well. However, for only $20 more, I'd just get the Active 2 instead.
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 for $59: I was shocked by how much I liked this affordable little fitness band. The 1,200-nit display is clear and bright, and the touchscreen is responsive. The aluminum case feels sturdy, and it tracks your steps and heart rate with reasonable accuracy. However, there's just no comparing the user experience of the Mi Fitness app versus Fitbit's, especially at this price. (Yet.)
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for $650: Your eyes have not deceived you. Samsung has made a Galaxy Watch Ultra (7/10, WIRED Review) that is a direct rip-off of the Apple Watch Ultra, but for Samsung phone owners. It even has the same safety orange band, the Quick button (which Apple calls an Action button), and the Double Pinch feature (which Apple calls Double Tap). Apple's watch is better, with more sports, a better interface, and better comprehensive algorithms like Training Load and Vitals. However, what the Galaxy Watch Ultra does, it does well, and Samsung has the resources to catch up quickly. It has a sapphire glass face that's rated to 10 ATM, an IP68 rating, and the ability to withstand elevations as high as 9,000 meters and temperatures as high as 130 degrees. It also has backcountry navigation features, dual-band GPS, a compass, and breadcrumb navigation, which Samsung calls Track Back and which Apple calls Backtrack (this is getting silly). The battery life is still just an adequate two days and change, though.
Buyer Beware
Photograph: Amazon
Evie Movano Ring for $269: Evie recently announced an upgraded version of the Movano, with a medical-journal-trained AI chatbot and improved sleep and heart rate tracking. I tested it and unfortunately did not find enough on offer to rescind my previous opinion (4/10, WIRED Review). The smart ring markethas exploded since then, and many new rings have explicitly women-centered features. It simply doesn't offer enough features to be an attractive product right now.
Amazfit T-Rex 3 for $280, Amazfit Helio for $170, and Amazfit Balance for $150: I have tried all the older watches across Amazfit's lineup, and my colleague Simon Hill has tried the company's smart ring. While I have nothing to complain about regarding the build quality—the Balance is a dupe for the Samsung Galaxy Watch if you don't look too hard—both Hill and I found functionality somewhat limited and were exasperated at the subscription upselling. The Active 2 is the only Amazfit watch I like right now.
FAQs
What's the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch?
The categories can overlap significantly, but fitness trackers as we consider them here are, well, focused on health. I'm less concerned with whether a fitness tracker can replicate every feature on your smartphone than if the suite of health features is robust and accurate; if it can track multiple activities; and if it stays on and is secure while doing multiple fitness activities. We also include fitness trackers that aren't wrist wearables, which includes the Whoop, smart rings, heart rate monitors, and blood sugar monitors.
Some wrist-based fitness trackers will feature the ability to read emails and control music, but the screens are often smaller and less bright. However, the battery life is often much better, which makes a difference, especially if you're tracking your sleep over time. If, however, you're more interested in the option to access apps without having to pull out your phone, you might want to think about getting a smartwatch. (If you want no notifications at all, get a smart ring instead.) Don't see anything that's exactly your style here? Check out our Best Smartwatches guide.
My tracker doesn't work! What should I do?
Here are just a few ways you can easily cure what ails you (or your device):
Make sure it fits. Optical sensors won't work if your device is slipping loosely around your wrist. You can customize most devices with new straps. Make sure it sits securely an inch above your wrist.
Wash it! I'm horrified by how many people tell me their fitness trackers are giving them a wrist rash. Wipe it down with a little dish soap and water after a sweaty session.
Get out from under tree cover. Does your device utilize multiple satellite positioning systems to track your location when you're starting an outdoor workout? This is a lot harder for it to do if you're under power lines, trees, or even (gulp) inside.
Set a routine. There's nothing quite as frustrating as opening your tracker's app and finding out that it ran out of battery before you went to bed last night. Keep your app updated regularly. Check if your tracker is connected to your phone, and keep chargers everywhere.
Does my strap have PFAS?
A study published in December 2024 found that many smartwatch wrist bands contain high levels of PFHxA, which is a “forever chemical” that can affect your immune, thyroid, kidney, and reproductive systems. How do you know if your band has PFHxA?
Check if the band is labeled as being made of “fluoroelastomer.” Fluorinated synthetic rubber is the material that has the highest levels of PFHxA.
Check if the company has tested its products. For example, Garmin's watches do not have PFAS.
If you're not certain, most trackers let you swap out your bands for those made from silicone, metal, leather, or other materials. Companies often have their own proprietary accessories; if you need some ideas on what to look for, check out our Best Apple Watch Accessories guide.
Refresh your space with a comfy sofa that arrives right at your doorstep.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
We've spent years looking for the best couches, testing the most popular brands delivered to our door, sight unseen. Maybe you have a hand-me-down couch or a thrifted floral sectional that isn't cutting it. Or maybe your seat cushions are sunken in or stained. Whatever the reason you're looking to buy a new couch online, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find our favorites so far, like the Albany Park Barton Sofa ($2,375).
Much like with bed-in-a-box mattresses, ordering a couch online is simpler than it sounds. You simply choose what you want, place an order, and voilà: Several boxes will arrive on your front porch. Assemble the parts and you're good to go. But it's important to do your research. Many couch makers offer sample swatches of fabrics, which you should take advantage of to ensure that the color and feel are exactly what you want. Make sure to measure the area where your couch will be, as well as doorframes and stairwells for delivery. Ultimately, the best sofa is the one that you like to sit in and look at. We’ve got plenty of recommendations to help you find your match.
Updated August 2025: We've added new couches from Castlery and Outer, amended our opinion of the Joybird Eliot, phased out a discontinued pick, and updated pricing throughout.
I've had the Albany Park Barton in my living room for more than a year now, and the only complaint I have is that a vegan leather couch (or any leather, really) can be too cold to jump onto during the freezing winter months when you just want to cozy up. The secret? Have lots of throws so you can add a barrier between your skin and the cool material. The Barton is the second couch from Albany Park I've tested and it's a noticeable upgrade in build quality. The frame feels more durable, and the plush foam seats are soft, supportive, and don't need readjusting all that much (unlike the original Kova I tested).
This couch is deep enough for two people to comfortably cuddle together (plus a dog). I'm 6'4" and the Barton is long enough that I don't need to curl up to fit. I'd recommend adding some throw pillows to the ends so that you can more comfortably rest your head on the arms. Speaking of, my wife and I love the wide arms, which are stable enough to hold a coffee cup while we're watching reruns of 30 Rock (just be careful). We regularly eat in front of the TV, and I cannot for the life of me find a stain or mark on the couch. If you do end up spilling something on it, the covers are removable. (I can't speak for the other materials since I only tested the vegan leather, but there are several other fabrics you can choose from.) You can also choose the stain of the solid wood legs—oak, walnut, or black. Though they're kind of hard to see, so it doesn't feel like it matters much.
Fair warning, it does arrive in three separate boxes and you will have a much easier time if you have someone to help set it up. But the instructions are clear and easy to follow and, barring the amount of time it took me to get rid of all the recycled cardboard, it was pretty quick to build. Albany Park has a 30-day trial so you can give a test before committing to the couch. —Julian Chokkattu
Benchmade Modern features a wide range of couches for 1950s or 1960s-styled homes. It's the best-looking and most comfortable couch I've ever sat on.
It isn't just the couch that's great, though. Benchmade Modern has put a level of polish on the online couch-buying process that doesn't exist elsewhere (at least in our testing). The company's website lets you browse colors and resize couches with a slider to see the cushion layout. When you have some idea of what you want, you can also order a full book of fabric swatches, along with a full-size printout of your sofa so you can make sure it fits in your living space. The coach arrived well-packaged in a full-size box. (If you're upstairs, be sure it will fit up your stairwell.) —Scott Gilbertson
Comfy Modernism
Trule
Armless Large Microfiber Leather 3-Seat Bean Bag Sofa
Trule's armless three-seat sofa is obviously (ahem) very faithfully inspired by the iconic Ligne Roset Togo which does, sadly, cost 10 times as much as this Wayfair offering. The weird part? I think the Trule is actually far more comfortable than the original thanks to its stiffer and more traditional foam construction. This sofa from came delivered to my house in a 60-pound box that was light enough for me to lift by myself. Despite the "bean bag" description, it's nothing like the bean bags of my youth, keeping its shape precisely after being flopped and sprawled upon. At 69 inches long, it’s more like a long loveseat than a typical three-seat sofa; if you’re going to sit three people on it at once, the two on the ends will be hanging their legs out to the side, which is easy to do as there are no arms. —Martin Cizmar
Who says couches have to look boring? You'll have to spend a little time making sure the colors and patterns don't clash with your room, but I love the sheer number of choices The Inside offers for its handmade, made-to-order Modern Sofa. I went with the Ink Frida and it looks excellent in my space, though there are more than 88(!) other patterns you can peruse.
The legs are metal, so you don't have to worry about one breaking off if you plop down too forcefully, and the frame of the sofa is solid wood with laminated panels and tempered steel springs. The Inside offers white glove delivery, so it arrived fully assembled and all I had to do was make space for the delivery folks to squeeze it through my narrow stairwell and into the living room. Most important, it's wonderfully cozy. The seats are plush and my wife and I have fallen asleep on this thing a few too many times. The covers are removable, though the company recommends spot cleaning.
I love the length. At 89 inches, I can comfortably stretch my 6'4" body all the way, though we wouldn't have minded if it had more depth. You will need to add throw pillows for the ends, as the arms are rigid; they help complete the look too. —Julian Chokkattu
Benchmade Modern’s range of couches is even bigger than before with the Laguna Collection. It comes in three different styles: a sofa, a sofa with chaise, and a sectional. It’s a little cheaper than other offerings, like the Tyler couch we’re already fans of, but still lets you browse and choose from a huge range of colors and fabrics to use on the couch. But my favorite part was that you can choose a single bench cushion model for all three sofa styles. It made the sofa much more comfortable to fit three people on, since you don’t have to worry about the middle crack to fall into. My family and I have been sitting on it for a year and a half now, and the single cushion (as well as the rest of the couch’s cushions) is comfortable and supportive. –Nena Farrell
This Article couch is a close second in comfort to the Benchmade Modern Laguna. It's soft without being too soft. The single bottom cushion makes for excellent Sunday afternoon naps—there's no crack to fall in. The Sven comes in a variety of colors and fabrics, but I tested the leather version. Article uses high-quality aniline leather, which has proved durable and stain-resistant in my testing.
One thing to keep in mind if you go leather: Over the long run, some maintenance will help your couch last longer. It's worth periodically applying some leather oil to condition the surface. (Otter Wax [$10] is a popular choice.) Also, keep in mind that aniline leather has a tendency to darken slightly over time. I have not noticed this in my testing, but other reviews on the web confirm that it has happened to the Sven. This one arrives in full size. All you need to do is screw in the legs, but if you need to get it through a small entryway, be sure to check measurements ahead of time. —Scott Gilbertson
A Lovesac couch—aka Sactional—is expensive, but customizable. Only have space for a two-seater now? Turn that into a three-seater when you have your first kid, or even a 10-seater when you move into a house with a basement. Add storage seats and power hubs and switch out the machine-washable covers when you redecorate. You can configure and reconfigure it in a number of ways, including by making the seats deeper.
It's comfy and sturdy, and the corded velvet cover I chose looks sophisticated but cozy. The best part? It doesn't resemble a couch cover, which often looks baggy. It comes in many, many boxes, depending on what you get. That makes it easier to bring up small stairwells, but you'll need a lot of patience and someone else to help you put it together. (And maybe a gift for your delivery person.) I recommend watching the company's instructional videos. The hard pieces—like the frame, sides, and clamps that hold pieces together–come with a lifetime warranty, but covers and cushions have a three-year warranty.
★ Upgrade: For another few grand, you can add Lovesac’s StealthTech pieces (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which hide Harman Kardon speakers in the arms (plus a wireless charging pad) and a subwoofer under the seat. The bundle also comes with a center channel that plugs into your TV. You can get it when you order a new couch or connect it to a Sactional you already have at home. —Medea Giordano
The Burrow sofa sectional is plush, comfy, and fairly compact, but its best feature is how quickly it assembles. The Nomad ships in a few large boxes, depending on the options you choose (with or without an ottoman, extra cushions, etc.). Once you open the boxes, the build goes pretty quickly. Everything snaps together like a Lego set.
The Nomad held up well over its year of testing, considering I'm in a three-pet household. The cushions are still just as plush as they were on day one, and despite the need to occasionally push the cushions back in (they tend to slide if you sit and slouch for a long time, as I do), it's one of the best couches I've owned. Additionally, it's pretty compact without sacrificing seating space. The sofa sectional can easily seat three people, or four if you seat someone on the chaise. It's a great choice for small apartments, and it really opened up my living room. —Jaina Grey
The Cozey Ciello XL (6/10, WIRED Review) is really easy to set up, especially with the company’s video instructions. Depending on the configuration you choose for this modular sofa, you might need a lot of room for assembly. Make sure you have a clear space to work in before putting it together (and a box cutter handy for cleanup afterward).
Each module arrives in its own box, with the cushions, covers, and hardware tucked inside the hollow seat, back, or armrest. Pull everything out, put it all together, and snap the modules together to bring your sofa to life.
I didn't love the sofa’s boxy frame nor the way the crinkly, cloudlike cushions liked to slip and slide over the rigid structures beneath. But if you're looking for room to stretch out, this couch has it. Its size makes it an obvious choice for families who need more room for movie nights. And the performance fabric, combined with the removable covers, makes for very easy cleaning. You can order free swatches of the performance fabric and the chenille options, and there's a 30-day trial period as well as a five-year warranty.
Play couch?! Yeah, I know. I thought the same thing when my wife told me this guide should include a Nugget. After all, aren't all couches play couches? Yes, they are. That's why having a separate, designated kids' play couch is so nice; it keeps the grown-up couch looking like a couch and gives your children a couch they can turn into a human catapult. Everyone wins. I highly recommend picking a dark color for your Nugget. While the fabric is washable, who wants to wash it all the time? —Scott Gilbertson
As most cat owners know, cats love sharpening their claws on just about anything other than the dedicated furniture you buy for them. My two cats managed to turn two accent chairs and a sectional into dump-worthy eyesores in the space of several years. Which is why when I heard about Interior Define’s “cat-friendly” fabrics, I knew I had to try one of them. Interior Define does sell premade furniture, but is best known for offering the most customizable built-to-order couches—25 styles with over 150 fabric options, 35 styles of legs … the list goes on. You can even choose lengths and widths, sit depth, and cushion fill material. Customers have access to a free consultation with a design expert (either virtual or in person at one of ID’s 14 brick-and-mortar locations), and unless you’re a professional interior designer, I highly recommend this. Even as someone who has bought multiple couches, I was immediately overwhelmed by having to choose options—like tapered vs. stiletto legs—that I hadn’t previously considered.
Regardless, I pushed through to choose the Sloan sectional in onyx cat-friendly performance velvet with oiled-walnut legs. Now for the downside of having a couch built by Interior Define: the wait. Given that the couches are built to order in China or Vietnam, delivery can take two, three, or even four months. (Mine took four.) Reasonable, but still worthy of consideration if you’re in need of a couch quickly. All of ID’s made-to-order couches come with white-glove delivery.
As for the finished product, the seat and back cushions—for which I chose a standard down blend—are firm. Not uncomfortably so, but firmer than I’m used to. I also wish I had selected a wider depth (40 inches rather than 36), as the cushion length feels noticeably short. Otherwise, despite some groans and squeaks after seven months of heavy use (including a couple of tween sleepovers), the couch is still beautiful and sturdy. The best part? The cat-friendly performance velvet works. Both of my cats despise the fabric’s tight weave—they tried sharpening their claws a few times but quickly gave up and now use their long-neglected scratchers. After seven months, the Sloan still looks pristine, which to me was worth the wait. —Kat Merck
I've been on the lookout for a great sleeper sofa to add to our best mattresses guide, and the Mercer41 is a standout. This foam-block couch bed has an elegantly simple design—there are two foam layers the size of a twin bed and then two L-shaped armrests. As a sofa it's on the deep side and may not work in every space. But in place of a daybed in an office, or if you're someone who takes laying around on the couch literally, it’s great. It's also very kid-friendly. My 9-year-old daughter loves using its foam blocks to build forts. You can take the corduroy cover off and wash it. The couch is available in orange, green, and cream. As a bed, the foam is spongy and a fairly neutral medium-firmness that I would not hesitate to offer to any houseguest. As a sofa, its a little on the stiff side, which I like. —Martin Cizmar
We didn't love the Joybird Eliot (7/10, WIRED Review) when we first tested it, but after the company reworked it, we tried it again. And we like it a lot more now. It's custom-made from the fabric you choose—there are dozens of options and finishes, with free fabric swatches available—so it has a bit of a longer shipping time. But you'll get it delivered all assembled and ready to go. This version has a pull-out mattress that is available in your choice of two foams. We tested the premium version that comes from Tempur-Pedic. The bed is surprisingly comfortable, and so is the couch, though it could benefit from some throw blankets or pillows to make the arms more comfortable. It looks fantastic, with sturdy upholstery and reliable construction, and the cushions have held up well over a few months of testing, though you may have to adjust them sometimes depending on how you like to sit. It also has very deep seats, which could be a benefit or a drawback depending on whether you care about being able to rest your feet on the floor. (I usually fold myself into a sort of human pretzel, so it doesn't bother me much.) If you want a couch that's “you”, be it bright pink Barbie-Dreamhouse velvet or mid-century modern yellow microfiber, this option is worth considering.
The Auburn Sectional from Castlery offers comfort with a contemporary design that feels straight out of a boutique lobby. The setup couldn’t have gone smoother; each modular piece clicks into place without tools. Its curved silhouette and clean lines give it a sculptural aesthetic, while the performance bouclé fabric (100 percent polyester and PFAS-free) holds up well against everyday stains and pets. I have two cats who treat every couch I purchase like a playground and scratching post, and I was beyond impressed by how well this one held up to their claws. The fabric still looks intact (just don’t look too hard) with no significant snags or tears. Even better, spills don’t soak in; they slide right off. The texture is plush but firm.
It’s the kind of couch that’s perfect for lounging or curling up in a ball for a midday nap. The modular build means you can customize it to fit your space, whether you want a classic chaise or an L-shaped setup. Available in off-white cream or gray chalk, it looks and feels expensive. The fabric does cling to dust and pet hair, but the gray chalk color camouflages it brilliantly. Plus, it’s easy to vacuum and maintain. Seriously, I love Castlery’s spill-resistant fabric so much, I had to test out the company's bed frame. —Boutayna Chokrane
It’s hard shopping for an outdoor couch. You need to consider the material so that it can weather the elements, potentially buy a storage box to store cushions, and consider the color, because who wants visible stains? That’s why I was so intrigued with Outer. The company’s couches come with OuterShell, a built-in cover that wraps around the couch cushions to keep them protected from bird droppings and rain. Just pull it over the cushions when you’re not using them, and affix the Velcro to the underside. If you’re going to be away from home for extended periods, or there’s a big storm on the way, there’s a grab handle on the cover that lets you easily grab them all one-handed and bring them indoors.
I am lazy, and have only brought the cushions inside once before a big storm. Otherwise, I’ve just left the OuterShell over the cushions, and in the two months of testing, they still look and feel fabulous. (That’s with various rainstorms and heat waves.) There’s no mildew or anything of the sort on Outer’s performance fabric cushions, which are made from recyclable materials and have a waterproof protective barrier as well, and they look just as new. I have the navy color, so I don’t spot anything, but the good news is the cushion covers are machine washable.
It’s super easy to get the couches ready for lounging—you can roll the cover up and tuck it away, or just fling it over the seat. And it has my wife’s seal of approval! That’s a high bar, considering she’s very picky. As I type these words, she’s blissfully napping on the couch outside. The OuterCloud cushions are super plush and soft, and the fabric doesn’t feel rough on skin.
The couch itself uses Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, which means the Grade A teak employed here is harvested from responsibly managed forests. It looks gorgeous and feels sturdy. But you don’t have to feel limited by teak—Outer also has wicker and aluminum options. Speaking of, you can completely build out your preferred seating layout using Outer’s Modular Seating tool, or choose one of the preconfigured options, whether that includes an L sectional or two armless chairs.
It’s spendy, and I’ll need to see how the Outer couch fares over the course of a year—especially when winter comes around—but there’s a lot to love so far, and the overall quality is promising. If I could make one wish, it would be that the arms of the chairs were wider so that I could plop a cup of coffee down, though that also could just invite a spill. —Julian Chokkattu
More Couches We Tested
Photograph: Albany Park
Albany Park Kova for $1,958: The Kova is easy to assemble because you just have to connect hooks, which means disassembly is easy too. The system allows for modular add-ons like corners or consoles. There are two fabric swatches and several velvet color options to choose from. The back and seat cushions are super comfy, and deep—for reference, I'm 6'4", and there's enough cushion and room to nap with my wife and dog on this couch side by side. After a year, it held up well. The problem is that the cushions and seats don't stay put, so it's a constant exercise of adjusting them. There's also a slight gap between the assembled seats, which you'll need to push together every so often. The seats flatten out too quickly for my liking, so you need to fluff them up too. It's a lot. The wood frame inside the mattress isn't that durable—I rested my knee on the frame once and the wood caved in a little. Welp. Be gentle. Despite all this, the Kova is a comfortable, great-looking sofa for a nice price, if you don't mind micromanaging it. —Julian Chokkattu
Couch Accessories We Like
Chom-Chom Roller for $28: We’ve been recommending this pet-hair remover in our Cat Toys Guide for years, and for good reason—it uses an electrostatic charge rather than tape or battery-powered suction to make short work of any amount of pet hair. It cleans up my large velvet sectional in just a couple of minutes, and I never have to worry about charging a hand vacuum or replacing an adhesive lint roller. —Kat Merck
CouchConsole Drink & Snack Tray for $60: No room next to your couch for an end table? Plop down with this portable caddy and you’ll be in brain-rot bliss in no time. It’s got a gyroscopic cup holder, nonskid surface for a remote or mug, a slot for propping up your phone, a food-safe cup for snacks, and even a USB-C port to which you can hook up a portable charger. Even though I have a coffee table, I still use one of these on my couch to avoid having to get up and disturb the inevitable cat on my lap. —Kat Merck
Anker Power Strip for $16: Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft implored us all to put a little power cube under our couch. And he was right. Having a base station like this one will improve your life in small but undeniably convenient ways. It has three AC outlets, plus some USB-C and USB-A ports, so you’ll always be able to top off your gear at a moment’s notice. And if your living room is like mine, and the outlet situation isn’t ideal, you won’t have to stretch your charging cord halfway across the room anymore.
Why Should I Buy a Couch Online?
Buying a new sofa online comes with a lot of benefits. Usually there are more customization options and a wider selection to choose from. Oftentimes it's cheaper than buying outright in-store, too. The biggest bonus is probably that you get delivery, which means you don't have to rent a U-Haul or beg a friend with a truck. If you choose to assemble it yourself, you can do it at your own pace, and if you choose white-glove delivery, they'll just plop your furniture wherever it needs to go. Unless you're near a showroom, you lose out on the benefit of being able to try it in person, but most couch retailers have a trial period so you can return it for free if you end up disliking it.
What Should I Do Before Purchasing?
Before you order, measure the area where it will be (a few times!) and consider putting masking tape down to get a feel for the dimensions if you're struggling to visualize them. If you'll be assembling the sofa yourself, consider having a friend help you put it together. (I've successfully put together a lot of sofas on my own, but it goes faster with a pal.) Consider your fabric as well. Performance fabrics are more durable and easier to clean, but they aren't as soft and luxurious as some other finishes like chenille or microfiber. Many couch manufacturers have swatch books available so you can experience the color and texture in-person before committing. After you order but before you get delivery, be sure you clear your space.
How We Tested and What's Up Next
Testing couches is a Herculean effort, so our team researched popular or unique couches online and split up the task of testing them. Each tester used their couch in their own homes for a minimum of one month (though usually much longer). We jumped on them. We napped on them. We sat on them with our friends and family. Whenever possible, we assembled them ourselves. We're constantly in the process of testing new couches, and we're testing additional models from Room & Board, Jonathan Adler, Crate & Barrel, West Elm, Ikea, and Pottery Barn. We're also on the hunt for some nice slipcovers. If there's a sofa you're curious about, let us know in the comments.
Louryn Strampe is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED covering beauty, home goods, and gifts. During her five-year tenure at WIRED and throughout her 12-year career, she has written about everything from food to sleep to video games. She previously wrote for Future PLC and Rakuten. She resides in ... Read More
A “gooner” tells WIRED he became hooked on the cartoonish nature of AI porn. Several addiction experts say the genre could pose a problem for people prone to compulsive sexual behavior.
A “gooner” tells WIRED he became hooked on the cartoonish nature of AI porn. Several addiction experts say the genre could pose a problem for people prone to compulsive sexual behavior.
Kyle’s interest in AI porn began last summer as he circled rock bottom. From the outside, everything seemed fine. He was in a committed relationship with his longtime girlfriend. He enjoyed the perks of his job working for a sports betting company. Still, all he could think about was fueling his porn addiction in new ways—even at the cost of feeling mentally drained and tired. “Pretty much all I wanted to do was doomscroll on my phone and watch content. And I wasn’t able to stop, even though I noticed that it was a problem. I became desensitized,” he says. “I was looking for that next dose of excitement.”
That’s when he came across an Instagram Reel showing an AI-generated image of a woman with “extremely large breasts the size of her body,” he says. He knew it was fake but also felt strangely seduced by it. “In the back of my mind, I was like, OK, I do find this kind of attractive,” he says. “It was something I had not seen before—and I had to see more.”
Kyle is a “gooner,” a term for someone who finds pleasure from prolonged sessions of intense masturbation. The 26-year-old, who asked to be identified by his first name citing privacy concerns, says that at the peak of his addiction he would force himself to masturbate “either out of habit, obligation, or desire.” The Instagram Reel led him down a rabbit hole of dreamlike pleasure as he searched for AI porn that depicted “women with cartoonish boobs, areolas, and nipples twice the size of the rest of her torso, [and] super wide hips.”
When we speak over the phone one recent afternoon in July, Kyle tells me he always had an interest in surrealism—“things that are just completely unnatural and not possible in real life”—and that AI unlocked his appetite tenfold. On Reddit he started commenting on r/BustyAIBabes and would often take time out of work to check X and Instagram, or cycle through Xvideos late at night, while his girlfriend slept, for “POV stuff, blowjob videos, and jerk off inspiration,” he says. “I started looking for more taboo things, such as AI porn. And then it got to a point where that didn't arouse me anymore. So I had to search for even more AI.”
Porn sites are some of the most-visited online, according to a 2023 study, and as AI has gone mainstream, so have concerns around the risks that this growing genre of adult entertainment presents for people who suffer from compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), the official term recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. Porn addiction, as it is commonly referred to, is not considered an official diagnosis and is not currently listed among the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the APA’s approved guidebook; it’s a contested topic within academic circles. Still, people report feeling out of control with their porn consumption; a meta-analysis published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior in 2018 found that those who express concerns about porn addiction are often actually experiencing distress over their religion-based moral beliefs surrounding pornography.
The spread of AI porn poses “intriguing yet concerning implications,” says Leor Ram, a therapist at Integrative Psychotherapy Group in Beverly Hills, California. “We already live in a society where people are growing increasingly accustomed to having what they want, when they want it. While that’s convenient for many aspects of life, it’s detrimental to relationships and community.” Like other mental health professionals who spoke to WIRED, he says the problem has less to do with its proliferation and more to do with its capacity to magnify preexisting vulnerabilities toward compulsive or unhealthy behaviors. “There’s every reason to anticipate its growing presence as the technology becomes more sophisticated, personalized, and accessible.”
In June, a member of the subreddit NoFap—a porn addiction peer support forum for people who suffer from CSBD, specifically gooners—warned against the use of AI porn.
“Came across the devil himself and you know they say the road to hell is really fun,” they posted to the group, which has 1.2 million members. “Stay the fuck away from that shit guys … It’s going to get harder to avoid because it captures all your vices and traps you.”
“Already went down that rabbit hole, super hard to get out of it,” one member replied.
“Agreed,” wrote another. “AI porn is insane and insanely addictive.”
Ross Crothers, a therapist who specializes in queer- and trans-affirming care in East Los Angeles, believes AI porn will change how people approach relationships, “or rather, avoid them,” he says.
Once the neural pathway between AI and sexual pleasure is firmly established, he adds, “it almost becomes too efficient. This causes other sexual experiences to shift and become less pleasurable in comparison. This is where we will see more avoidance of relationships and an increase in isolation.”
Kyle says his girlfriend, who he has been with for seven years, began to notice a distance growing between them this year that started to negatively affect their sex life. “My erections weren't as strong as they could have been. I couldn’t last as long,” he says. “And I never directly told her what I was exactly struggling with. But I could sense that there was less attraction there than there had been before. She had gotten the proverbial ick.”
Outside of Reddit threads, though, AI-specific porn addiction isn’t currently dominating the clinical landscape. “We’re not seeing a surge of cases in our practice yet,” says Rob Terry, a sex addiction therapist and founder of Karuna Healing in St. George, Utah. “But it does come up here and there.” Still, several experts WIRED spoke with say they believe it is “only a matter of time” before the effects of AI-generated porn become a larger issue.
AI erotica is a quickly developing genre. AI generators and nudifying apps, like Undress.cc, have contributed to the prevalence of AI porn while also raising ethical concerns around the use of nonconsensual deepfakes. An analysis by Indicator, which investigated 85 nudify websites, found that the industry is pulling in an estimated $36 million per year.
On Pornhub, one of the most visited websites in the world, AI porn is restricted to animated content. Current protocol allows for AI content only from the original creators; they are required to undergo a verification process before uploading videos. “We ask that people prove it’s their work,” says Alex Kekesi, Pornhub’s vice president of brand and community. But even the content uploaded within those restrictions has found an audience, from hyperreal fantasies (“Fucked a bitch without a spine and I liked it”) to smutty reimaginings of Marvel characters (“Spider Gwen’s First Lesson in Love”). Hentai—a genre of porn content that includes exaggerated video game and anime characters—is currently the most searched term on the site in the US, according to Pornhub. In 2024, Gen Z were 193 percent more likely to view Hentai content compared to all other age groups.
Everywhere, it seems, interest around the subject is intensifying. Since April, search traffic on YouTube for “AI porn” has been the highest in Sweden, Australia, and Canada, according to Google Trends. More recently, the Supreme Court’s decision upholding Texas’ porn ID law—which is similar to laws in at least 20 other states and requires adult websites to verify their users are at least 18—has raised the question of whether some people may instead make AI porn at home, bypassing these platforms altogether. Its increasing ability to create hyperreal sexual images, catered specifically to a person’s desires, can now produce porn that is just as orgasmic as any human-generated video floating around on aggregator sites. Companion apps like Nomi and Replika are also being used as alternatives to build intimate relationships and have sex with AI bots.
But “AI porn, in itself, is not necessarily a problem,” says Paula Hall, a psychotherapist at London’s Laurel Centre, the leading specialist provider of treatment for CSBD in the UK, “but rather the way in which it is used.”
As people become more accustomed to getting what they want from realistic AI renderings of porn, in addition to the buffet of erotic media that already exists across the internet, human connection, for some, may no longer be enough, says Monifa Ellis-Addie, a therapist at Banyan Therapy Group in Los Angeles, a faith-based counseling practice. In the most extreme cases, mental health professionals say that an increased dependency will enable people to fully detach. “The effects are going to be pretty damaging,” Ellis-Addie says. For some people, sex addiction is built on a kind of “faux intimacy,” she continues. “AI is only going to make that easier. It’s going to feel as if you’re dealing with an actual person, and with an actual person comes things like actual feelings. It will make people more distant in real life.”
Kyle’s epiphany that it was time to finally temper his addiction came during a work trip to New York City in February. He was alone in a hotel, away from his girlfriend, and, he says, “I just kept doing it and doing it, but I didn’t feel any better.” He’s since taken action to limit his need to masturbate, including joining the Reddit support group NoFap, where members share similar struggles.
Professionals believe that could make initiating new IRL relationships more difficult.
Young people are currently facing a mental health crisis. Last year, the US surgeon general called for a warning label on all social media platforms. One major consequence has been a “loneliness epidemic,” according to a 2024 Harvard study, which suggested that people who feel more alone suffer from higher rates of depression and anxiety.
“Social media has distorted our views on so many things—body image, social class, politics. It’s hurt people in many ways,” says Daniel Glazer, a psychotherapist at Fifth Ave Psychiatry in New York, citing loneliness, isolation, depression, shame, and issues related to sexual performance as areas of concern. What’s happening with AI porn “could be another extension of that,” he adds.
But AI also has the potential for real “positive crossover” for people who struggle with relationships, both platonic and romantic. “I understand sex addiction as a way to avoid life, a way to avoid relationships. So AI can be a kind of a bridge to someone who’s fearful of a relationship,” Glazer says. “Here’s a relationship that isn’t scary and one where you won’t be criticized.” They’ll just have to manage their reliance on it.
More recently, Kyle has fully curbed his intake of adult content. Though AI porn is still in its early days, he considers it “one of the worst technological developments that we have coming up right now” because of its over accessibility. “It’s worse than the real thing.”
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
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I have been working from home for six years, and let me tell you one thing: Investing in the best office chair you can afford is one of the smartest things you can do if you also find yourself in a home office for eight hours a day. It's not just about finding a comfortable seat—the best desk chairs employ the right materials to whisk body heat away, and are adjustable enough to tailor the chair to your body. There are so many options at varying prices, and my job over the last few years has been to test dozens, like budget-friendly chairs from Staples to Herman Miller classics.
My favorite office chair for most people is the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro because it strikes a good balance between price and features, but not every recommendation will work for every person. We all have different body types, which is why we've put together a collection of our favorites. Hopefully, there's a home office chair for you here.
I often hear gasps when I tell people how much they should probably spend on an office chair. Most people just aren't ready to fork over more than $1,000. That's one of the big reasons why Branch's Ergonomic Chair Pro is our best office chair recommendation for most people. At $499, it's not egregiously expensive, has a decent warranty period, and checks off a lot of boxes in build quality, comfort, and ergonomics.
A good chair often means one that offers a variety of adjustments, and Branch's Ergonomic Chair Pro goes above and beyond. The arms of the armrest can move in and out to fit wider or narrower bodies and can be locked into place. The armrests can move up and down, forward and back, and angle in or out. The seat depth can be pulled in if you’re short or pushed out if you’re tall. You can lock the recline in a few positions (I like it upright), but better yet, the Pro offers a seat tilt, which allows for a more active sitting position when you want to get work done. The high-density foam cushion is decently soft, and I like how the mesh backrest contours my back. You can align the lumbar support and have it push in a little deeper, which I found more comfortable.
I found this Branch seat a bit short (I'm 6'4"), but you can add the Tall Cylinder when purchasing to solve this. There's a headrest add-on, though I don't think it's necessary, and the fabric, vegan leather, or real leather options allow you to personalize the design to suit your home office.
I don't have many complaints with the Pro, except that I didn't find the recline tension knob to do much. It's otherwise well-built, with a powder-coated aluminum base and casters that roll easily on my hardwood floors. I initially received two left armrests in the box, but Branch says I received an early pre-production model and that this shouldn't be an issue anymore.
Specs
Upholstery options:
Flocked Italian double mesh, vegan leather, or leather
Steelcase's Gesture is comfortable, no matter how you're sitting. It's an attractive chair, too, with several colorful upholstery options. The seat form is cushy, and while some might find it thin, it feels plush coming from a Herman Miller Embody. I like how you can extend the seat depth forward with a twist of a knob—super elegant, which is a good descriptor for the Gesture on the whole. The recline knob smartly offers a series of clicks to indicate the angles you can lock, and even adjusting the armrests—whether you want to move them up or down, left or right, or forward and back—is fluid without any jerky movements.
The backrest aligns nicely with the back, and you can grab the tabs to adjust the lumbar support to hit the curve of your spine. All this makes for a comfortable sitting experience, even more so if you add the headrest upgrade. I typically don't care for the headrest, but I used it here more than any other chair. It sticks forward quite a bit, so I don't need to lean my head back as far to let it rest. Assembly was easy, too, as it was a matter of putting the seat pan on the legs because the backrest and seat were already preassembled. The only thing to note is that since this is an all-foam chair, you may run warm, especially in the summer, unless you can crank the AC to keep your home office cool.
Another downside is that the Gesture's upholstery may not hold up well over time, at least not as long as a seat like the Herman Miller Embody. I haven't seen this myself on my newer test model, but our original reviewer noted this, and this is also a complaint I've heard from a friend who has owned a Gesture for several years.
The Branch Ergonomic Chair is a great place to start if you're on a tight budget. It's surprisingly easy to assemble in minutes (the instructions are great), and there are a handful of tweaks you can make to dial in the fit. You can push the armrest back and forward, up and down; the seat can extend or be pushed in; you can lock the recline. There's even adjustable lumbar support. The chair does all this while managing to look sleek, with several colors to choose from, plus a reasonable price. (There's no headrest, but you can pay to add one.)
It doesn't keep my back as upright as I'd like, but the double-woven nylon mesh backrest feels nice to lean against. The seat is made of high-density foam—firm yet comfy—and doesn't trap heat as much as other foam seats I've tried. It's a great option for various body sizes; my 6'4" self enjoyed sitting on it, as did my 5'1" partner. Fair warning, though: Pet hair tends to cling to the upholstery, and I've noticed the fabric on the front end of the seat tends to pill quickly.
The Herman Miller Aeron has long been a recommendation in this guide, but that came from a few of my WIRED colleagues who swear by it. It's durable, supportive, and airy, not to mention the fact that this is an iconic office chair that graces workspaces all over the world. I decided it's finally time for me to give the GOAT its due and try it for myself. Initially, I found the Aeron a little too bouncy—the mesh is very firm—but after a few days, I didn't mind this as much.
The levers on the Aeron are not where you'd expect. The seat height lever, for example, isn't all the way on the underside of the chair, but on the right edge of the seat. The arm height lever is at the very back of the arm frame. It feels a little like I'm operating a spaceship with all these knobs and levers. I highly recommend watching the adjustment tutorial after setting up the chair to maximize comfort.
It comes in three sizes—A, B, and C, with C being the largest. That's what I tested, with the Adjustable PostureFit SL, Tilt Limiter and Seat Angle, and Fully Adjustable Arms. The PostureFit SL is the lumbar support and is controlled via two knobs that push the support in or out, depending on your preferences. It worked well for me, but the problem is you can't adjust the PostureFit SL vertically. If the positioning doesn't land on your back in the right spot, it could pose a problem. It may be safer to go with the Adjustable Lumbar Support instead, or try it in a retail store if possible. The Fully Adjustable Arms are convenient and don't move around much, and while I like having the option of a forward tilt for a more active sitting position, I preferred to keep it on a gentle recline to keep my body moving ever so slightly.
I have been in the Aeron for close to a month now, more than eight hours a day, and I find it supportive. It also regulates my body heat well, thanks to the mesh. The build quality is impeccable, and my only major gripe is that I don't think it's as attractive as chairs like the Anthros V2 or Herman Miller Embody. Oh, and it's eye-wateringly expensive. Before you buy a brand-new Aeron, there's a very good chance you can find one for significantly less at a local furniture reseller, on eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. Or you can luck out like WIRED reviewer Michael Calore, who walked away with a free Aeron after a startup in his town closed up shop. Just make sure you buy the right size for your body type—Herman Miller has a Size/Fit Reference guide here.
Specs
Upholstery options:
8Z Pellicle polyester and elastomeric mesh
Max capacity:
300 to 350 pounds (depending on size)
Seat height:
14.7 to 20.5 inches
Armrests:
Height-adjustable, fully adjustable, or stationary arms
It might take you a week or two (maybe even a month) to get used to the Herman Miller Embody, but it's well worth your patience. This is what I fall back on after testing all other chairs, and it always feels like a breath of fresh air. Its upright positioning supports my back well and eases lingering back pain from years of sitting in a cheap gaming chair. The seat feels rigid at first, but eventually becomes surprisingly pillowy, and the armrests stay firmly in place. It does a nice job of whisking heat away from my body, though not as well as all-mesh options. It's one of the most adjustable models around: You can pull out the seat, change the height and angle of the armrests, and tweak the Backfit adjustment to follow your spine's natural curve.
Did I mention it's pretty? I'd argue this is one of the most eye-catching designs around, especially with the rib-like pattern on the back. Not to mention the surprisingly small footprint. I know, I know, it's incredibly spendy—I bought it for roughly $1,465 back in 2020, and the price has skyrocketed since. But what's amazing is that after more than five years in this chair, it feels just as good as new with barely any squeaks. Herman Miller offers a 12-year warranty that covers every part of the Embody, and the chair arrives completely assembled. Pick one of the Medley upholstery choices with the graphite base finish to see the lowest price.
Herman Miller has a “Gaming” version of the Embody, and while it looks the same, there are some minor changes. It has a copper-infused foam layer that is designed to accommodate a more active sitting position, and it's designed to wick body heat away. I'll be testing it soon.
I sat on Steelcase's Karman for more than three months, and it's my new favorite all-mesh chair, especially since it has a smaller footprint than some of its peers. These types of seats are great for people who run warm or are generally working in hot spaces—maybe you don't want to run the window AC all day. The Karman's Intermix mesh fabric was comfy to sit on—I'm 6'4" but my 5'1" wife also likes it—and it didn't feel abrasive against the skin.
There's not much to adjust here, and that's by design—the company says the Karman “responds automatically to your weight.” You can raise or lower the seat and the armrests, lock the recline, and adjust the angle of the armrests, but that's about it. It doesn't have any traditional lumbar support, though you can add it as an upgrade during checkout. I didn't need it. Even after long stretches on the chair, my back felt well-supported. Most importantly, my body never ran too hot. Steelcase has a high-back version of the Karman, which might be better suited for taller people.
Specs
Upholstery options:
Intermix mesh (Standard, Opaque, Shift)
Max capacity:
350 pounds
Seat height:
15.8 to 20.4 inches
Armrests:
Four-way adjustable arms, height-adjustable, or armless
I'm constantly reviewing office chairs, which means I get a lot of ads served my way. Anthros is one that kept cropping up on my Instagram feeds—Herman Miller–pricing, but with a promise to be more comfortable and offer some pain relief. Color me skeptical. But after nearly a month in the Anthros V2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), I'm a believer.
The Anthros V2 looks nothing like most office chairs and is significantly more compact. The upper back and lower back support are two separate pieces, and you can adjust each to accommodate your body type and achieve a natural lumbar curve. You rotate the knobs on each side to make the adjustments, and while it initially took me a bit to get used to it, my body quickly adjusted, and now the chair just feels natural. After you buy your seat, every customer gets a video consultation with an Anthros ergonomics therapist, who will go over the adjustments and help you get the right fit. I found this useful, as the therapist recommended a few adjustments I wouldn't have made on my own.
Anthros' Cloudfloat seat foam is firm but plush, much thicker than many of our other picks, and that makes it immensely comfy. Overall, I've felt well supported in this chair, though I need to note that you can't extend the seat depth. It's shallow for my 6'4" frame, and I would've liked to have more support under the thighs (most people are unlikely to have this problem). The foam seat and backrest predictably don't handle body heat well. If you're not in a cool room, you'll start to sweat after a long period of sitting. Then there's the price. It costs more than a Herman Miller Embody, but Anthros says the chair is 100 percent crafted in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is one part of why it costs so much (there's a whole page on its website explaining the price).
I don't think the Anthros has quite supplanted the Embody as my favorite, but it's one of the rare options that has come close. It's certainly one of the most supportive chairs I've sat on that's also comfortable. If you haven't enjoyed luxe chairs like the Embody, it's worth giving the Anthros a try if you can stomach the price (there's a 60-day money-back guarantee).
If you have to sit at a desk for a living, I strongly urge you to save up and buy a nice, high-end chair. Buy once, cry once, right? But sometimes that's just not possible. If you need a chair now and have a tight budget, get the Staples Dexley (6/10, WIRED Review)—the office supply company hasn't steered me wrong yet. The Dexley is the best budget chair, miles better than most cheap chairs on Amazon. Does it have flaws? Of course. But at its frequently discounted $170 price, you can't find much better.
The all-mesh seat is great for airflow, keeping you cool, though the mesh itself is a little rough on the skin. It's decently adjustable, includes a headrest, and putting it all together took me about 15 minutes. I previously recommended the Staples Hyken here—that chair is still available and might be better suited for shorter people. One thing to note is that the seat may sink in a little over time, something that happened on the Hyken; I'd be surprised if the Dexley lasts a decade, but hey, it's less than $200.
The Staples Essentials Task Chair is regularly under $80 on sale, making it the cheapest chair in this guide. It's not very adjustable, with a fixed back and static armrests, but it’s relatively uncomplicated. The simple design makes assembly a breeze.
The build quality and material thickness are what you’d expect at this price, but it's not bad. It can support a weight up to 275 pounds, and the mesh back feels solid but still flexible enough that you can move around a bit. The bottom cushion provides ample support when sitting. You can adjust the height and tilt tension and lock the tilt, but that's about it. If your budget is tight, this will do, but the lack of adjustability will severely limit this chair’s practicality and comfort over prolonged use. If you can, save up for the Staples Dexley for a better budget seating experience. —Henri Robbins
You might be wondering why a “chair” for easing back pain is a stool with no backrest. Well, that's because The Ariel targets the sitz bones in your pelvis to ensure you're sitting upright. The base of the stool rocks around slightly so your body will continually shift a little throughout the day, but most importantly, it made me want to get up and move. That might sound like a bad thing, but movement is one of the best ways to counter the issues that come from sitting in a chair all day. If you want to transition from a chair to one of these, you should ease into it and follow the company's instructions. I started using it for 30 minutes a day because sitting on it for any longer just left me sore. After a week of gradually increasing the length of time, my back pain started to disappear, and I felt my posture improve whenever I was away from my desk.
I have now tested the newer The Ariel 2.0, which is pricier but has a comfier seat and more stability, even with the wheels add-on. Unlike the original 1.0, I did not have to pace myself with this stool and could sit on it comfortably for nearly a whole workday before switching to a normal seat. The improved seat width makes a big difference. If you can spend a little extra, the Ariel 2.0 is easily the nicer stool, but the 1.0 remains a solid option. Just know that the original has a lower weight capacity.
I've written more in-depth about these kinds of active chairs here. The consensus, after speaking to experts, is that you're better off getting a normal chair and introducing more movement into your workday, even if you're just standing up to get some water every hour. After testing several active chairs, the Ariel felt the most effective, but there's a good chance you don't need it.
Specs
Upholstery options:
Leather
Max capacity:
300 pounds for Ariel 2.0, 235 pounds for Ariel 1.0
I was prepared to hate the Zeph. Don't get me wrong, it looks wonderful—there are dozens of color customizations, and it looks nothing like many of the chairs in this guide. But you can only raise the seat up or down. That's it. You'll find nothing else to adjust here. Turns out, that's OK! This lack of adjustability is intentional, as the Zeph is shaped to mold around your body. I sat on this plastic one-piece seat for a month and didn't experience any of the back pain I sometimes feel from switching to a new chair. It feels supportive for my 6'4" frame (my 5'1" wife likes it too), and it even makes a decent recliner. I strongly suggest you get the seat pad and arms, which add a smidge more comfort, though this will jack the price up.
The seat pad is made of 50 percent recycled polyester yarn and generates zero fabric waste. (It's also easy to remove and clean.) The padding is thin, and while I wouldn't say it's supremely comfortable, I've had no qualms. The Zeph is compact, making it a great option for smaller spaces. I still think most people will prefer having the option to adjust a chair to their liking, but if you don't want to fuss with knobs and levers, this is the chair for you. Oh, and I should mention the excellent 12-year warranty.
Maybe you work in a nook. Maybe you work in a hallway. Maybe you share home office space with one or two others. If space is at a premium in your WFH arrangement, you don't have room for a big, luxurious chair. So get this small, luxurious chair instead. Measuring 20 inches wide and 21 inches deep, the Path is one of our most compact picks (even more than the Zeph). Its minimal design features tiny arms that don't jut out. Even better, the fully configurable Path can be ordered with no arms at all, which makes it more manageable in tight spaces and also lowers the price.
Humanscale is one of the more forward-thinking office furniture companies when it comes to sustainable design. Each Path contains almost 22 pounds of recycled materials—mostly plastic bottles and ocean plastics—and the many textile options include an Eco Knit material made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester. The recycled fabric is comfy, cool, and easy to get clean. The chair arrives in a minimal cardboard box with the three chair pieces (legs, seat, and back) wrapped in compostable bags. Like Humanscale's Freedom Headrest (see below), this Path earns high marks for its minimal ecological impact. It's also just a comfortable seat, with Humanscale's ergonomic reclining mechanism on the back and a smoothly supportive cylinder beneath the seat. —Michael Calore
When I leaned back in the Humanscale Freedom Headrest—which we wrote about more than 20 years ago—I felt bliss. Designed by the famed Niels Diffrient, this chair gracefully supports my back like a mother gently laying a baby in a crib. If you tend to recline, this is the chair for you. By design, there aren't as many adjustments you can make compared to other high-end chairs; the idea is that the chair will adapt to your body. For example, there's no way to lock the chair so it won't recline, but it never reclined when I didn't want it to. You can adjust the lumbar support, seat height, armrest height, and seat depth—I often had to readjust the headrest, as it tends to slide down—but otherwise, this chair pretty much lets you set it and forget it. It even comes fully assembled, and there's a 15-year warranty to boot. The armrests are just about the only part I don't like as much—it's easy to adjust them accidentally when you shift in the seat. After more than four years of sitting on it, I've only noticed some pilling at the seat edge of the fabric.
If you don't care for the headrest, there's a version without it. Sustainability-wise, this is a net positive product, meaning the company does more good than bad by making one of these chairs. For instance, Humanscale has rainwater capture systems in its manufacturing sites and uses this for all final assembly. The product's environmental rating is certified by the International Living Future Institute, a nonprofit organization, and it's a certified B Corp.
Listen, I don’t like gaming chairs. I think the racing chair aesthetic is tired, and I have yet to find a gaming chair that doesn't make me sweat—these all-foam seats trap body heat. All of that is true with Razer’s Iskur V2 (7/10, WIRED Recommends). But hey, I still see tons of people online using and enjoying these kinds of chairs, so if that's what you want, I think the Iskur V2 is the best gaming chair right now.
The adaptive lumbar support is what makes this one unique. It slightly adjusts as your body moves in the chair, and it does a solid job with support. The seat is fairly adjustable, but you cannot push the seat depth out. Razer claimed in its marketing materials that you can sit cross-legged or with one foot up, but I couldn't do it; the seat is just not deep enough. I found the headrest quite silly. It's a foam pillow you affix around the top of the chair, and it never stays put. I didn't need it anyway. I do like that the shoulders of the chair are wide and don't cut into my body, and the width of the seat is nice. I’d replace the casters, which don't move very well on hardwood floors. Oh, and remember that you will sweat in this chair unless your gaming setup is in an industrial fridge.
Razer has a newer, cheaper version, but I haven't tested it yet—the Iskur V2 X. It's $300, but the lumbar support is built-in and not dynamic like on the V2. The armrests also don't have as much adjustability, and the chair is only available in fabric upholstery.
It's not just about finding a chair you like. We've rounded up several tips on how to set up your desk properly here, but here are a few highlights.
Sitting for too long in a day is not good for your health, no matter what chair you use. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. The best thing you can do is get up and move every half hour. If you can, a 40-minute walk per day can, according to a recent study, make a big difference in countering some effects of a sedentary lifestyle. You probably don't need to bother with an active chair. Our recommendation? Try a smartwatch. Most have movement reminders that encourage you to stretch your legs. If you're dealing with back pain, your first step is to consult your physician.
Make sure your chair's armrests are adjustable. Your palms should be elevated over your desk, which should be elbow-level, and your wrists should be straight. If the bottom of your palm is resting on the desk or wrist rest, there's a chance you're putting too much pressure on your nerves, which could lead to issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. Talk to your physician if you're feeling any kind of pain. A gaming mouse, often more ergonomic than a standard mouse, might be helpful; just make sure to find one that fits your palm size.
When you look forward, your eyes should align with the top of your monitor or laptop. That might mean finding a chair that can adjust up and down, elevating your laptop with a stand, or raising the height of your monitor. This puts less pressure on your neck and spine—you shouldn't be craning your neck up or down.
What Should I Look for in an Office Chair?
A good rule of thumb is that the more adjustable a chair is, the better. Now, that doesn't mean this chair is the absolute best, but it gives you the possibility to mold it to your body shape, which hopefully makes it a comfier and more supportive seat. Here's what you can expect to adjust on a chair.
Armrests: Most chairs let you move the armrests side to side, up and down, forward and back. It's even nicer when you're able to lock the armrest into place so that they don't slide around as your elbows rest on them. The armrest should naturally allow your palms to slightly hover over the desk. You'll often see descriptors like “4D” and “5D adjustable armrests,” which denotes how many directions you can adjust the armrest.
Seat height: It's worth checking a chair's maximum and minimum height before you buy because they might not work for your current desk (unless you have a standing desk where you can adjust the height). This is usually a pneumatic lift lever under the chair—pull the lever and get off the seat to let the chair go up, then sit on it and pull the lever to bring it down to your preference. Your feet should be planted on the floor at a 90- or 100-degree angle. If your chair arrives and it doesn't get as high as you'd like, don't worry, there's a very simple fix. Some office chair brands offer “tall cylinders" for not a lot of money, and if not, you can usually find third-party options on retailers like Amazon (make sure you buy for your specific chair!). Simply swap your existing cylinder with the tall version, and you'll have a greater height range to work with. You may be able to choose this option before checking out, or reach out to the company to see if they can swap it for you.
Seat depth: Seat depth is important for taller folks. This is usually a mechanism that lets you pull the seat out so that your thighs get the proper support. There should be 1 to 2 inches between the front of the seat and the back of your knees. Taller people with longer legs may not get the best support if you can't adjust the seat depth.
Seat tilt: This isn't as common as the above adjustments but it's designed to tilt the seat of the chair up or down. This can help posture and prevent back pain, though it can take some getting used to.
Lumbar support: Most office chairs offer lumbar support, which can look like a separate piece attached to the backrest that can slide up and down. This piece supports your lower back (the lumbar region!), specifically maintaining the curve of the spine to maintain good posture as you sit and, ideally, warding off back pain. Check your chair manufacturer's assembly instructions to learn how to adjust the lumbar support (it's not the same on every chair), and place the support on the curve of your lower back. What I like to do is run my hand along my spine until I reach the natural dip, then I try to make sure the lumbar support sits at that exact location. Some chairs also let you adjust the depth of the lumbar support, pushing it further inward or outward. Make sure it feels natural and that it's not digging in. Play around with this until it feels comfortable and natural. Your shoulders should align with your hips, and you shouldn't feel like you're leaning forward.
Recline: Almost every office chair lets you lock or unlock the recline, but some chairs go a step further and let you tweak the tension of the recline. This allows you to use more or less force when you lean back, which comes down to how much resistance you want when you lean back.
How We Test Office Chairs
My home office is often filled with at least four or five chairs at any given time. It takes me a while to test them because I prefer to sit on these office chairs for more than two weeks at a bare minimum, though that often extends into a month. It's hard to gauge the supportiveness of a chair by sitting on it for less than a week. I adjust it to my 6'4" preferences, and sometimes have my 5'1" wife sit on it for her two cents. I try out all the adjustments throughout the testing period, too. It's not just about the chair; aesthetics are important, and I also research these companies, looking into their warranties, customer service, and overall reliability.
How Does WIRED Select Chairs to be Reviewed?
I routinely look at the market to find new office chairs that have hit the scene, whether it's from a newcomer or an established brand like Herman Miller. I typically reach out to these companies to ask for the product, but I do not promise any kind of editorial coverage—that goes against WIRED's editorial polcies. Yes, WIRED earns affiliate revenue if you purchase an office chair using our link, but this is not factored into the decision process when ranking chairs.
As much as I'd like to test and review every single chair, it's just not feasible with our resources. You may find some notable missing options in this guide, like the Steelcase Leap. I'll be testing it in the future, and will gradually try to evaluate all the top options in the market.
After I've finished testing a chair, I typically donate it to a local Goodwill. I keep a handful of top recommendations on hand so that I can reevaluate them or compare them to other newer options, like the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, Herman Miller Embody, and Anthros V2.
The wheels on the bottom of your chair are among the easiest parts to replace. If your current casters don't roll smoothly or are too loud, it might be worth replacing them instead of buying a whole new chair. I like these from Stealtho, a Ukrainian company. They'll work with nearly every office chair, though the company notes they don't work with Ikea chairs. The soft polyurethane material means these won't scratch or chip hardwood floors, as some plastic casters do, plus it'll feel like you're silently gliding as you roll from your desk to the fridge (don't judge).
Fair warning: Since these are more frictionless than normal casters, they can cause your chair to roll around sometimes, like when you stand up and walk away. Stealtho has locking casters if you're worried about your chair rolling, and they don't cost much more.
Does your pet longingly look at your fast-typing fingers and wish for scritches? Get SeatMate's Pet Office Chair if you don't want to feel like a cruel, cruel pet owner. This faux fur seat gets high enough that you won't have to bend down to pet your dog or cat when they inevitably enter your home office to distract you. Instead, they'll sit at a reasonable height that allows you to have one hand running through their fur, while the other tries very hard to work a keyboard and mouse simultaneously. There's a pull-out ramp that lets them clamber up, and my dog instantly took to it, though now he's so used to it he jumps straight onto the seat. The back legs of the seat are on wheels, making it easier to move around a room.
You can choose different fabric materials and colors, and it's easy to clean with a brush or hand vacuum. Just keep sizing in mind. My dog is 19 pounds and a little long, and it just fits him when he sleeps.
Do you need a mat for your chair? Most likely not. However, casters can scuff up hard floors, which is why we recommend upgrading them to rollerblade wheels (see above). If you're on a carpet, it can also be hard to move around on the chair. A mat can help with both of these issues. I sat on top of this glass one from Vitrazza for two years and was pleasantly surprised. (You can go for much cheaper mats made from other materials, too.) The safety glass is thick, and I did not see any notable scratches even after that time. It holds 1,000 pounds and doesn't touch my hardwood floor, as you need to affix rubber bumpers to keep them apart. You can choose from several sizes, and Vitrazza sells various shapes too. It's just a bit difficult to clean since you have to lift it up to get to all the dirt underneath.
Seat Cushions, Backrests, and Footrests
CushionLab Seat Cushion
Photograph: Cushionlabs
If you can't upgrade your seat just yet, a cushion or backrest might help. Here are a few we like:
CushionLab Seat Cushion for $75: This memory foam seat is comfortable, and I had no problems sitting on it for hours on end. It's best paired with an adjustable chair, as it adds a decent amount of height to your seat, which might make typing on a keyboard awkward. It does a great job of keeping out bad odors, and you can also wash the cover. Just know that it's rarely sold for its full price of $85, which means it isn't really on “sale.”
LoveHome Memory Foam Lumbar Support for $22: If you slouch in your seat, this comfortable memory foam pillow can help. It keeps your back straight and supported, and as it's affordable, it's a great option to try before shelling out hundreds for a new chair. It's good to use in a car or a wheelchair, too. The cover is washable, and it has two adjustable straps (plus an extension strap) that go around your seat to keep it in the position you need.
Secretlab Premium Footrest for $89: I have tried a handful of footrests, and Secretlab's Premium Footrest is easily the best—I have been using mine for more than three years. Ideally, your feet are planted on the ground as you sit, but it's nice to be able to prop them up on something soft every so often. Not only is the PlushCell memory foam material soft and cushy for my feet, but it also stays remarkably clean. I have a tiny dog, and his hair gets everywhere except the quilted fabric cover. (You can hand wash this cover to get dirt out.) The patterned silicone base does a good job of keeping it in place, too.
Other Office Chairs to Consider
Not every pick is a winner. Here are a few others we like enough to recommend, but they're not as good as our top picks above.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Autonomous ErgoChair Ultra 2 for $399: I've now sat on Autonomous’s 3D-printed ErgoChair Ultra 2 for over a month, and I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s a big improvement over the original Chair Ultra, which had a flat and hard seat. The Ultra V2’s seat is still not as cushy as some chairs, but it doesn't feel like I’m sitting on concrete. It has all of the adjustments you’d want, from seat depth to a recline lock, and I didn't encounter any back pain during my time in the chair. The all-mesh design offers good airflow, and the backrest is wide enough and doesn’t dig into my shoulders. The only flaw? Sometimes when I put too much pressure on the armrest (like when I'm getting up or shifting my weight), it goes down with a loud crack despite being locked in place. Also, Autonomous has a pretty lackluster two-year warranty despite the high price.
Haworth Fern for $1,242: I think the Haworth Fern is best for shorter people (aka anyone not above 6 feet, like me). It's adjustable to the nth degree—you can even tilt the seat for a more upright sitting position!—but the seat itself was just wide enough for me, though it's plenty soft and pillowy. When I pulled out the seat depth to the max, it created a gap between the seat and the backrest, and I didn't love this feeling. The backrest is nice and soft, but I'd argue the lumbar support is quite aggressive. My back just felt like something was there all the time, and it felt distracting. I don't think you'd have these issues if you are shorter and narrower, and it's otherwise one of the softest office chairs I've sat on.
Autonomous ErgoChair Pro for $399: Our top pick, the Branch Ergonomic Chair Pro, is a better buy, but if you need a headrest and want a wide seat, consider the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro. I sat on it for a month with no major problems, except that the box it came in was massive and barely fit through my front door. The levers under the chair also aren't super intuitive—I highly recommend checking out this video from the company when you first set it up to dial in your preferences. All the standard adjustments are present, from seat depth and lumbar support to fine-tuning the recline. What surprised me more was the ability to tilt the seat so it's angled down—you don't see that in many chairs. The overall build quality has been solid, and I even enjoyed the headrest when kicking back to watch House reruns during lunch. The only woes? I wish the arms stayed locked, as they can slide back and forth. While the foam seat is quite comfy, it can get warm in a toasty room (though the mesh back helps keep things cool). It's a shame this company has an abysmal warranty period.
Staples Hyken for $140: The humble Hyken is frequently available for just $140 during big sale events, making it one of the most affordable good chairs out there. It reclines, has a breathable mesh fabric on the back and seat, and it's sturdy. You even get a headrest and lumbar support. After five years of continuous sitting, WIRED reviewers say the Hyken's mesh has compressed a bit, but it's still comfy. The Staples Dexley is slightly wider, so get it if you need a wider seat.
Nouhaus Ergo3D for $370: This is another all-mesh chair. The ElastoMesh seat isn't as comfy as the Steelcase Karman (it'll feel worse on the skin if you, uh, tend to sit at your desk without pants), but it's otherwise quite adjustable and roomy, plus it even comes with two sets of wheels (casters or rollerblades) so you can choose which works best for you and your flooring. If you're in a particularly hot environment, it won't trap heat and will keep your whole body cool for a fraction of the price.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Haworth Breck for $419: I like Haworth's newest chair, the Breck. After sitting on it for a month, I didn't have problems (no back pain!), though I can safely say it's better suited for shorter people (roughly under 5'8"). That's because the Breck's seat is short, and the seat depth only extends an extra 2 inches. The weight-activated recline requires some push on your end, more than you might expect—it wasn't too hard for me, but lighter-weight people may find it problematic. The seat padding is thin, but I didn't see this as an issue even after hours of sitting. The best part is how amazingly simple it is to set up—no tools required! But my main gripe? Simply getting up from the seat causes the gas spring cylinder to loudly lift. This, and the fact that it tends to make some noises when I fidget around on the chair, makes it feel a little cheap.
Branch Verve for $599: The Verve used to be a top pick above, but I think the Ergonomic Chair Pro is better value considering they're similar in price. It is elegant (especially in the lovely Coral and Cobalt colors), it keeps my back straight, and it's quite comfy. It can make nearly the same adjustments, but there's no seat tilt, and the armrests are much more limited. I also wouldn't have minded if the seat was a smidge wider—folks who need a wider seat may want to look elsewhere. I try to sit on these chairs for several weeks, if not months, but I rarely can sit on one for years, as I have so many to test. However, I have a colleague who owns the Verve who said that after more than two years, the chair started to sink whenever he sat on it. Thankfully, he says Branch's customer service was very responsive and promptly sent him a new cylinder.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Eureka Ergonomic Royal Chair for $450: Some folks chase that executive chair aesthetic—you know, plush leather and a high back so you can swivel around and reveal a cat in your lap as you laugh maniacally. This chair from Eureka fits the bill without costing a fortune, and it's been an OK chair for the month I've sat in it. The setup was quick, and the seat and back are soft and a little bouncy. I found my back sweaty after a few hours of sitting because there was just nowhere for body heat to go. The lumbar support isn't great, as prolonged sitting has left me with some sensations in my lower back. Not pain, just my back telling me I ought to get up. There's not much to adjust, but the recline and headrest. Also, if you need a wide seat, this is not the chair for you as the armrests will feel like they're boxing you in (it just fits me and I'm 6'4"). I thought this chair would look pretty poor after a month but it's easy to clean with a damp cloth, and the fake leather has held up. Too bad about the two-year warranty.
Secretlab Titan Evo for $549: This gaming chair (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is classy enough for the home office. It sets itself apart from similarly priced competitors with its durability and flexibility. It’s comfortable for marathon gaming sessions, thanks to the adjustability it offers (particularly the lumbar support). The headrest pillow is magnetic and stays attached to the chair, which is a nice touch. But the firm, cold cure foam molds to your body and may not suit everyone. It will also make you feel sweaty.
Allsteel O6 for $1,289: While this chair is eye-searingly expensive, every part—from the casters and the adjustments to the design—is incredibly refined. The adjustable lumbar support provided shockingly good support even for hours of work. My only complaint is that the armrest adjustments are a bit stiff, but besides that, this is an exceptional chair that’s comfortable and intuitive enough for me to completely forget about once I sit down and start working. Fair warning: This chair comes fully assembled, which is nice, but the box is massive. —Henri Robbins
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Hinomi X1 for $729: Hinomi's X1 mesh chair has a trick up its sleeve—a built-in footrest! Just extend and flip out the footrest; voilà, your feet are now propped up. This might not be very practical for fellow tall people, as my legs often hit the wall behind my desk, but it's quite comfy. I also just didn't end up using the footrest as much as I thought. The chair is otherwise well-built. I like the lumbar support here, and there's a good amount of adjustments you can make. The seat itself is a bit firm, but I got used to it after some time. Hinomi offers a 12-year warranty, but best of all you can snag it in a dusty pink from the company’s website. I'd buy this over the X-Chair mesh chair listed below.
Odinlake Ergo Max747 for $849: The Ergo Max747 is, all around, a great chair to sit in. The three-piece back provides great back support and comfort, and the easy-access paddles on either side of the seat make most adjustments quick and simple. Even sitting in this chair for hours, I never felt uncomfortable, whether I was sitting up or reclining (this chair reclines incredibly far, from 90 to 135 degrees). The bag holder in the back (which I typically used to hold a hat or small backpack) was a surprisingly nice touch, and the mesh backing and seat are breathable, preventing overheating during prolonged use. I still don’t know how I feel about the polished metal frame, and the inclusion of gloves for assembly makes me worry about how easily this seat will pick up smudges over the years, but the polished finish itself is spotless and well-executed. At 6'3", I had to max out the back height to comfortably sit in the chair. The secondary adjustments (back height, lumbar support, and headrest height) were awkward to adjust due to complicated ratcheting mechanisms keeping them in place. However, the comfort and breathability of this chair make it a compelling choice. —Henri Robbins
Vari Task Chair for $399: Vari’s Task Chair is surprisingly comfy given its relatively simple construction. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano tested it and asked her husband to use it during his long gaming sessions. They agreed that the angled back provides ample lumbar support to make those sessions comfortable. It also takes very little time to construct. You can recline a bit, but even at the lowest tension, it pushes you back up, and there’s no head support. It’s more for rocking than actually leaning. Her biggest gripe is that the armrests are quite hard. A little more padding would be a huge improvement.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Branch Softside for $299: I tested the high-back version of the Softside and like it a lot. It's different from all the other chairs in this guide, but comfy and cushiony. If you need a wider seat, this might not be the option for you as the armrests do box you in. There's not much to adjust, but my back didn't have any issues after weeks of sitting in this chair for full workdays. The build quality overall is OK. Considering it starts at $299, the overall seating experience, and the lovely design in fun colors, this is a pretty good value if you are after a soft and cushiony experience.
BodyBilt Midcelli for $949: BodyBilt’s chair looks quite average, but the seat pad is plushy and soft, and it's contoured to your butt and legs, which I liked more than I expected. The mesh back has some give to it, so it doesn't feel rigid, and there are all the usual points of adjustment, including moving the seat forward and back. I wish the arms could lock to a position. It has a lifetime warranty on select parts, while other chair areas are covered for 12, seven, five, or three years. There are more customization options on BodyBilt's website—with the option to get a consultation—but I just think it's overpriced.
Razer Fujin Pro for $1,050: Razer is asking Herman Miller and Steelcase prices despite offering a measly five-year warranty on this $1,000-plus chair. Still, my colleague Eric Ravenscraft likes the Fujin Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). There are a good number of adjustments you can make, the armrests are useful, and the mesh is breathable. Oh, and it doesn't have the overused gaming chair race-car seat aesthetic.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Lumbar Support Office Chair for $352: I think this is a nice alternative to the Branch Ergonomic Chair above. The Tempur seat cushion is, perhaps unsurprisingly, wonderfully comfy to sit on for hours at a time. And most chairs that have a thick lumbar cushion end up causing me back pain, but not here—I've had no issues sitting on this chair for a month. The mesh back is nice for airflow, too. The arms tend to move around a bit, though, and the mechanism to adjust them is not elegant. Installation wasn't too hard, but the instructions weren't as simple as Branch's, and the overall build quality feels cheap.
Knoll Newson for $1,424: This minimalist chair looks best in the graphite and petal colors; it's a bit drab in black and umber. It's nice that I didn't have to fuss with any levers or knobs much—it's comfy out of the box and decently adjustable if you need to make some tweaks—and it feels especially nice when you recline. (The red knob adjusts the tension of the recline, but you need to twist it for five rotations, and I found it hard to turn sometimes.) The Newson didn't give me trouble in the two months I sat in it. I'm just not a huge fan of how the elastomer mesh backrest distorts, depending on how you sit. It feels lumpy. This chair also doesn't let me sit as upright as I'd like, but maybe you're fine with a bit of give. Ultimately, it's the price that pulls it out of our top recommendations, but you do get a 12-year warranty.
Kelly Clarkson Home Louise Velvet Task Chair for $168: There's absolutely nothing you can adjust on this chair except its height, but it's cute and the seat is comfy. The velvet polyester was surprisingly durable and looked nice even after several weeks of sitting on this chair. The gold finish on the frame and legs chipped off in one area when I was unboxing it—it's frequently under $200, OK? But my biggest issue is that it is not compatible with tall or larger people. My wide shoulders caused my arms to stick out of this chair, making it difficult to type. However, I asked my 5'1" wife to try it, and the chair suited her narrower frame well. She didn't find it hard to use her computer. With a 30-day warranty, you get what you pay for, but this chair is more about aesthetics than anything else. Oh, and Kelly Clarkson because she hand-picked this chair for Wayfair.
X-Chair X2 K-Sport Management Chair for $969: This used to be our top mesh chair pick, but it has been supplanted by the Steelcase Karman. Sitting in the X-Chair feels like lounging in a hammock. Every part of my body feels well supported, and you can adjust nearly everything on the chair. Pull the seat up and push the armrests up, down, and side to side, or angle them in or out. The lumbar support feels like a cushion, and it adjusts as you move in your seat. If you want to rest your head, you can pay extra for the headrest. It has held up extremely well after three years of near-continuous sitting, but I don't like how bulky it is. X-Chair has several models to choose from. I tested the X-2 K-Sport with the wide seat, and it fits my 6'4" frame well, but it was too wide for my partner, who is 5'1". Most people should be fine with the standard X1.
Ikea Markus for $300: The Markus is a perfectly fine office chair. It’s not the most comfortable, but it’s far from the worst. The mesh design keeps you cool, and the tall back lets you fully lean into it. It’s rather thin and isn’t obtrusive in a small home office or bedroom. It was annoying to put together (lol, Ikea), and you might need someone to hold up the back of the chair while you properly attach the seat. Unfortunately, if you often sit with at least one leg up or with your legs crossed, the width between the arms will make you uncomfortable.
X-Chair X-Tech Executive Chair for $1,845: Functionally, the X-Tech is similar to the X-Chair above. In this version, the M-Foam cooling gel seat is indeed wonderful to sit on, though it's not as heat-wicking as the all-mesh X-Chairs. It’s the Brisa Soft Touch material that impresses the most—it’s ridiculously soft. I recommend you stick with the standard armrests instead of the FS 360 armrests, which tend to move about too much. But my biggest gripe with this model is the price. Why on earth does it cost that much?
Mavix M7 for $777: If it looks strangely similar to the X-Chair (see above), that's because both are owned by the same company. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe ran into some issues with assembly, but customer service was able to exchange the model without much effort. The M7 has similarly adjustable armrests and seat angles, but you get wheels that lock. The mesh back and wide seat construction keep you cool and comfortable during sweaty League of Legends sessions, and the lumbar support does the job. If you're short, contact customer support while ordering—Mavix offers shorter cylinders so your feet touch the ground.
Hon Ignition 2.0 for $477: This chair is easy to set up and looks great, but it gave me really bad back pain, which is why I originally placed it in our “Avoid” section. I thought it was perhaps the long hours I was working, so I switched back to the Knoll Newson Task chair, and my pain quickly began to ease. Sometime later, I gave it a shot again. After a few hours, the pain came back, and switching to another chair dissipated it. Color me confused, because this chair has positive reviews around the web. I then asked a friend who is around 5'4" to try it for a few weeks, and she has had zero issues. This seems to be the answer. It's possible the Ignition doesn't work for my 6'4" self and is better suited for smaller folks.
Pipersong Meditation Chair for $399: Have a problem sitting in a traditional chair? If your legs need to be bent and twisted for you to be comfortable, you'll want to check this chair out. It has a 360-degree swiveling footstool that can accommodate pretty much any sitting position you want. I can go from kneeling to cross-legged to one leg up, one leg down. It’s possible to sit regularly too, with the footstool behind you and your feet flat on the floor. It's the only chair I've found that's designed for odd sitting habits. There are no armrests, which I didn’t mind because that’s what makes it possible to sit in many of these positions. The actual stool and chair back could stand to be bigger and taller, respectively. I had to use a pillow to keep my back comfy. —Medea Giordano
Avoid These Chairs
TopJob Napa
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
If you come across these models, I recommend you save your cash and go for one of the picks above.
TopJob Napa: The Napa should be $200 or $250 at best, nowhere near its $449 asking price (though it does seem to have a perpetual discount on TopJob's website for $359). It looks attractive, especially in the amber vegan leather. My back surprisingly didn't complain after more than a week of sitting in it for several hours a day. I wouldn't say it's comfy, there's not much plush to the seat and backrest, but it's not too uncomfortable. It doesn't have many points of adjustments—you can adjust the armrest height, lock the recline at a few degrees, and adjust tilt tension. That's it. Technically, you can adjust the headrest, but mine would not stay put at a specific height. You can pull out a footrest, but I found it more gimmicky than useful. The overall quality is a little cheap. You can do better at this price.
Humanscale World One: Despite hailing from the well-renowned Humanscale, this chair looks quite bland. The setup was fairly quick, and … interesting. You have to hammer two pegs to affix the backrest to the seat, which I've never before had to do, after testing dozens of office chairs. It just feels cheap and a little too plasticky. Like other Humanscale chairs, there are no adjustments to make as the chair will handle it all for you (you can adjust the seat and armrest height). I loved this on the pricier Humanscale Freedom, which felt like someone was cradling my body. But here, I find my body constantly shifting in the all-mesh World One, trying to find a comfy way to recline. The mesh material also feels like it digs in a bit. This could all be because I'm 6'4," as the chair feels like it's better suited for shorter people. However, I think you can do better at this price.
Herman Miller Vantum: Initially, I liked the Vantum. I liked how I could keep myself in a super upright position, which made me feel more engaged in what I was doing. The mesh backrest also disperses heat quite well. However, the overall build quality feels cheap and doesn’t scream Herman Miller (nor does the asking price, which has since dropped by $200). The headrest isn't great either—I’ve nearly broken it trying to move it up and down. As I kept sitting, it was the back support that disappointed me the most. You can feel the lumbar support on your lower back, and not in a good way, almost like it’s digging in. At least it didn’t give me back pain.
Vilno Nobel Kneeling Chair
Photograph: Vilno
Vilno Nobel Kneeling Chair: It's a freakin' kneeling chair! It was easy to put all the wood pieces together, and the seat cushion was surprisingly plump. This is what's known as an active chair, meant to keep your body moving and keep your posture straight. It feels effective for the first few hours, but unfortunately, rocking in the seat tends to cause it to move around on the floor, so I frequently had to fix my position. Worse yet, my shins and knees grew fatigued, and I started feeling some pain after a few days. You can't adjust its height, so it needs to be paired with a standing desk so that your palms don't rest on your desk.
Flexispot C7 Lite: While this chair is simple to assemble and looks good, it feels flimsy. The entire back flexes and warps whenever you move, and the lumbar support is barely connected to the rest of the chair, meaning it audibly scratches against the main section of the back every time you adjust and hardly feels like it provides any actual support. The footrest bends whenever weight is put on it, and the foam seat cushion collects crazy amounts of pet hair. It feels like just a few extra screws and supports would have made this a good chair, but in its current state, there isn’t enough material to make it feel sturdy. —Henri Robbins
Flexispot C7: It wasn't too difficult to put this Flexispot together, and it comes in a fairly compact box despite its size. However, the lumbar section juts out so much that within two days of sitting on it, I had back pain. You can adjust the seat to mitigate it, but it didn't solve the problem. It's not just me. My 5'1" wife did not enjoy sitting on the C7 either.
Steelcase Series 1: WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe says her biggest issue with the Series 1 is with the armrest—the tops slide back and forth and side to side, which could be a good thing, except she managed to pinch her arm every time she moved. There's no way to lock them in place, so while she felt supported, her arms weren't. The seat is also pretty curved, which can feel like you're trapped in one position as you work throughout the day.
Sihoo Doro S300: Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano tested the Doro S300, which, in white, looks like it came straight out of the Space Force situation room. She found it comfortable. There are several adjustments you can personalize, like seat depth and recline angle. You can recline quite far, but she says she wishes there were a footrest to enjoy the lowest recline position. She typically prefers a cushy gaming chair, but she says she had no trouble sitting on this chair all day—the dual lumbar support helps too. However, the headrest is too low for her to lean against, even at its max height, and the arms move too easily. Simply placing her arms down pushes them out of position. It's also squeaky and overpriced.
Palantir has become one of the few winners in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts, offering other contractors a lifeline while consolidating its own reach and power.
Palantir Is Extending Its Reach Even Further Into Government
Palantir has become one of the few winners in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts, offering other contractors a lifeline while consolidating its own reach and power.
Photograph: FABRICE COFFRINI/Getty Images
President Donald Trump’s administration has dramatically expanded its work with Palantir, elevating the company cofounded by Trump ally Peter Thiel as the government’s go-to software developer. Following massive contract terminations for consulting giants and government contractors like Accenture, Booz Allen, and Deloitte, Palantir has emerged ahead. Now the data analytics firm is partnering with those companies—offering them a lifeline while consolidating its own power.
Palantir has become one of the few winners in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting efforts, receiving more than $113 million in federal spending since the beginning of the year, according to The New York Times. Palantir’s US government revenue has grown by more than $ 370 million compared to this time last year, according to the company’s most recent quarterly earnings report. Before making remarks at last week’s AI Summit in DC, Trump thanked a variety of cabinet secretaries and tech leaders, including Palantir chief technology officer Shyam Sankar. “We buy a lot of things from Palantir,” Trump said. “Are we paying our bills? I think so.”
Instead of replacing these more traditional contractors, Palantir’s software is becoming the core tool deployed by them in government systems, placing Palantir in a newly central role.
The White House itself is thrilled by this partnership: “The Trump Administration has high-standard [sic] when spending American’s hard-earned tax dollars—which is why agencies have partnered with Palantir, a top-tier American company renowned for their longstanding history of innovation, results, and increasing government efficiency,” says White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers.
Palantir did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In April, WIRED reported that Palantir was working alongside IRS engineers to build what sources called a “mega API,” which would unify all data across the agency. An API, or application programming interface, enables applications and databases to exchange data and possibly compare it against other interoperable datasets. Once completed, this mega API could become the “read center of all IRS systems.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement contracted Palantir for $30 million to track self-deportations in April. The company has also won federal contracts more recently, like a $795 million award from the Pentagon in May to expand its Maven Smart System program. The total contract ceiling for the Army’s Maven program is now $1.3 billion.
This growth comes as some of the companies Palantir has chosen to partner with have lost billions in government contract cuts. In April, defense secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to cut $5.1 billion in IT consulting contracts with companies including Accenture, Booz Allen, and Deloitte. In a memo announcing the cuts, Hegseth said that the Pentagon would be forced to bring more of its IT work in-house.
“These contracts represent non-essential spending on third party consultants to perform services more efficiently performed by the highly skilled members of our DoD workforce using existing resources,” Hegseth wrote.
Palantir’s partnerships with these companies vary, but each one makes it easier for Palantir to extend the reach of its software and AI technology across the federal government. With Accenture’s government branch, Palantir will train and certify at least 1,000 Accenture workers on its Foundry software as well as its AI tech, according to an Accenture press release The companies also said that together they could create “a 360-degree view” of government agency budgets, something the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sought to build and use to review federal spending. (Palantir partnered with Accenture before in 2022, but this is the first partnership to focus on US government clients.)
“We are teaming up with Accenture Federal Services to accelerate AI across the U.S. Government, working to address federal agencies’ highest-priority operational challenges,” Palantir posted to X last month.
"What makes this partnership so uniquely powerful is Accenture’s expertise working with the federal government and our ability to bring commercial capabilities to government solutions, combined with Palantir’s deep experience in government software," Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture, said in a press release. “Together, we will harness the ever-growing power of AI to help the federal government succeed in its critical mission to modernize and reinvent its operations—with stronger data flows, transparency and resilience—to better serve warfighters, citizens and all its stakeholders.”
Accenture did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
While Palantir has become a major government contractor in its own right, partnering with contracting giants could enable the software company to scale at a much faster rate, leveraging long-standing relationships these larger contractors have with virtually every federal agency. “It's actually a pretty savvy business decision on the part of both Palantir, then also what you would call a traditional, more legacy-oriented, like defense or just government contractors,” says Jessica Tillipman, associate dean for government procurement law at George Washington University. “If they’re newer to certain areas and others have that footprint, that’s how it would benefit Palantir.”
Last week, Palantir and Deloitte announced a partnership that includes what they call the “Enterprise Operating System” (EOS) to unify data across organizations. At government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service and reportedly at the Social Security Administration (SSA), Palantir is already working to combine agency datasets, allowing what were previously disparate datasets to communicate with one another more easily.
"Deloitte shares Palantir's commitment to decisive action and a dedication to delivering meaningful, lasting results for commercial and government clients," said Jason Girzadas, Deloitte US CEO, said in a press release announcing the partnership. "Expanding our preferred relationship at this pivotal moment provides our clients with Palantir's latest advances in AI, combined with Deloitte's engineering scale and deep sector experience."
Deloitte did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Palantir struck some of these deals prior to Trump taking office as well. In December of last year, Booz Allen partnered with Palantir specifically, working together on building out defense IT infrastructure.
“To have one company monopolize and become the gatekeeper of software in the government, to become an ‘app factory,’ for the government, in a sense, where they're in every agency, they're part of the defense complex and the intelligence complex, brings huge concerns regarding fairness, regarding competition, and puts Palantir in a very unique position that maybe has never existed,” says Juan Sebastián Pinto, a former Palantir employee and critic of the company.
TikTokkers and biohackers are fast to recommend mouth tape for better sleep. But it’s not a solution for everyone.
Courtesy of Dream Recovery
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I can’t tell you where I first saw mouth tape. Was it while investigating the intense morning shed routines on TikTok? Or perhaps an influencer who insinuated that using mouth tape at night would give me a sharper jawline? (Big shout-out to my algorithm for reminding me about that insecurity.) Nevertheless, it's become a consistent pop-up on my For You page, showing me users raving about how a colorful piece of tape across their mouth is helping them sleep better.
Mouth tape is exactly what it sounds like: a piece of tape designed to sit across your mouth to keep it closed all night long. Mouth tapers rave about health benefits and better sleep, since it encourages you to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth.
“Mouth taping is not a gimmick—it’s a reminder to return to the way we’re built to breathe," says Geoffrey Trenkle, a board-certified ENT, head and neck surgeon, and CEO of the Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy. “For many people, it’s a safe and effective way to promote better sleep and healthier breathing patterns. But if someone experiences nasal blockage, snoring, or disrupted sleep, it’s worth exploring why that’s happening.”
Mouth tape isn't necessarily a perfect solution to getting a better night's sleep, but if you don't have any airway problems, it can be something worth trying. After sleeping with eight different types of mouth tape and speaking to several experts, I'm here to tell you everything you need to know about mouth tape and which ones are best to try.
Mouth tape is a type of specially designed tape to sit over your mouth, keeping it closed throughout the night to encourage nose breathing over mouth breathing. You shouldn't just grab any kind of tape to use for this; as Andrew E. Colsky, a behavioral sleep medicine clinician and founder of the National Sleep Center, told me, “This is one of those rare instances where duct tape is not the answer.”
Mouth tape has some breathability to it and is designed to keep your mouth in place without irritating the skin on your lips or around your mouth. There are a few designs, including options with a hole in the middle if you hydrate a lot at night. The book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor suggests you can even use first-aid tape as mouth tape.
What does it do? It keeps your mouth closed to force you to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth. You might be looking to close your mouth to avoid snoring or drooling, but nasal breathing is overall a good thing. “Nasal breathing plays a critical role in regulating airflow, humidifying air, and supporting optimal oxygen exchange. It also helps maintain pressure in the airways, which can reduce snoring and support better sleep quality for some people,” says Carlos Nunez, chief medical officer at Resmed, a medical device company.
What Are Mouth Tape’s Benefits?
Mouth tape is touted as a way to help you sleep better and snore less while sleeping. “It is a method generally intended to promote nasal breathing during sleep, which some believe can enhance sleep quality—though these claims remain largely hypothetical. In theory, keeping the mouth closed may help prevent the tongue from falling back toward the airway, and therefore decrease its potential to rattle (and thus contribute to snoring),” says David Benavides, a board-certified sleep medicine physician at Brigham & Women's Hospital.
There aren't just sleep benefits; there are some potential health benefits for both your oral health and your overall health. “Nasal breathing can prevent your mouth and throat from drying out, and in return it will prevent bad breath, cavities, and gum inflammation," says Fatima Khan, a practicing dentist, member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and cofounder of the oral care line Riven.
She also says it may help with nitric oxide production in the body, since the primary source of nitric oxide is in the nasal passages. “Nitric oxide aids in regulating blood pressure and improving circulation, which in turn can boost both heart health and lower BP. Also, nitric oxide is significant in regulating insulin, which in return affects your blood sugar levels,” she says.
What’s So Bad About Mouth Breathing?
How bad is mouth breathing that people are actually taping their mouths shut? According to one expert, mouth breathing is a bigger problem than you'd expect. “Mouth breathing is wildly unhealthy for any person," says Ben Miraglia, an airway dentist and chief clinical officer at Toothpillow. “There is no amount of mouth breathing that is OK.”
Mouth breathing can cause issues with sleep and breathing in general. Your nose is designed to filter out debris, allergens, and even tiny insects (thank those nose hairs), and it's designed to give your lungs and throat warmer, more moist air, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Your don’t get these same benefits when you breathe through your mouth. It'll also make you more likely to develop sleep problems like sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
Miraglia primarily treats children and approaches airway problems from a youth perspective, including larger dental problems, looking at mouth breathing as a problem overall versus just a sleep problem. From a sleep perspective, the interest in mouth breathing usually comes from sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnea, though getting better air all night long (more moist, less debris, etc.) is obviously a big benefit as well.
Do Doctors Recommend Mouth Tape?
If you're coming here after hearing an anecdotal story about how mouth taping has made someone's sleep better, you aren't alone in hearing about mouth tape that way. There are no shortages of these videos online, frequently touting a specific tape they used. But for now, it's mainly personal perspectives supporting the narrative. “There is currently extremely limited clinical evidence to support the efficacy of mouth tape in managing sleep disorders," says Benavides. "One small study from 2022, often cited, looked at 20 people with mild sleep apnea. While these participants showed some improvement with mouth tape, the study didn’t include a placebo comparison, and 20 participants is simply not enough to draw solid conclusions.”
That's not to say it can never be used. Benavides says he has found use for it, even with his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Specifically, he has found it useful for OSA patients who want to wear a nasal-only CPAP mask and who could add mouth tape to their nightly setup. "It may help minimize "mouth air leak" (where nasal-entry air escapes through the mouth during therapy) and improve both comfort and adherence. I’ve had success in some individuals," says Benavides.
Is Mouth Tape Safe?
If you can breathe comfortably through your nose, mouth tape should be safe to do. Where it gets dicey is if you're trying to use mouth tape to solve a sleep disorder or breathing problems that your nasal passageways might not be able to solve.
“Mouth tape could potentially cause harm in many others. For example, those with moderate to severe sleep apnea may actually find themselves with even more impaired ability to breathe than before. Worse yet, it may further compromise those with central sleep apnea—a different type of apnea disorder,” says Benavides. “Another group to watch out for are those with impaired nasal breathing, as removing the ability to breathe through the mouth severely restricts their remaining—and often much-needed—airflow path.”
The takeaway is this: If you can't breathe comfortably on your own through your nose as it is, mouth tape won't fix that for you.
The Best Mouth Tape We Tried
Since I have no airway problems, I spent several weeks trying different mouth tapes. I tried them all during the day at my desk to see how they felt and how secure they were, and then I wore the most comfortable and secure options overnight. Overall, I usually got a solid night's sleep when using the tape, but some were less comfortable than others, and I found myself irritated by them and removing them during the night. I also had to skip mouth tape if I had a cold or any kind of postnasal drip, since I have a 3-year-old who brings home a ton of germs. After trying multiple kinds of tape, I had some pretty clear favorites.
This is my favorite mouth tape I've tried. Dream says all of its mouth tape uses organic bamboo silk, and while there aren't any certifications on its site to back that up, the Plus+ tape is super soft and flexible on my face, easily the softest I tried. It still feels plenty secure and breathable with that softness and was an easy favorite after my testing.
This set was also really comfortable, with a softer texture and a larger shape that will fit all kinds of lip sizes. It is very feminine in its design and comes in a couple different shades. This set promises to hold overnight skin care products, and I tested this tape with the Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask ($24) on my lips and found it stayed on when I used both together.
More Mouth Tape We Tried
Photograph: Nena Farrell
Here are the other mouth tapes I tried. All prices are based on a one-month supply.
Dream Recovery Mouth Tape for $34: I like this one because it has a wide and tall design, but the Plus+ version is so much softer. This one feels pretty coarse.
Heronlink Micropore Premium Tape for $17: This is at the top of Amazon's recommended mouth tapes, and it's a fine option. It's secure on my face, but the opening in the middle allowed for me to resume mouth breathing pretty easily.
Hostage Tape for $20: This tape was solid to wear all night long, but I found that it was most likely to leave bits of the tape on my face. It's another popular one I see recommended often online, but it wasn't tremendously better than any others I tested.
Loftie Mouth Tape for $30: This set is pretty comfortable, and I like the small opening for a water straw without giving me too much wiggle room. But it left behind the most sticky residue after using it, and the design of this tape is a little Ronald McDonald for my liking.
Longevity Sleep Tape for £8: I loved this tape. I loved it almost as much as the Dream and Say Less I recommend above, and it's definitely one of the most secure tapes without being too restrictive or coarse. It has a nice lavender-scented option that comes in purple, plus black and beige options that are both unscented. It's only available in the UK, though.
The Skinny Confidential for $39: I found myself removing this tape during the night. It has an opening like the Loftie above, but didn't feel quite as secure, and the more feminine shape wasn't as wide as the Say Less option to fit more lip sizes. It did come with a cute little case for my bedside.
Queen Tape for $13: This tape is comfortable, and I constantly see it advertised on TikTok, but I didn't find the adhesive secure. It started peeling off my face almost immediately during my daytime wear tests.
VIO2 Unscented Mouth Tapes for $27: This has a different style of design, with an H-style look to it versus tape that covers a minimal amount of your skin. You could wear it different ways, but I found the H-style position the most secure. I didn't like it as much as full tape designs, but this is a good option if you want security without full coverage.
So, Does It Work?
After trying so many mouth tapes, the question remained: Did they work? Did I sleep better and wake up more rested?
Honestly, not really. I had the same kind of sleep I would without mouth tape: better, deeper sleep on days I had more physical activity and kept to my routines better, and worse sleep on nights after I forgot to go outside and do anything beyond hunch over a screen (she says as she types at her desk, staring at yet another screen). Some nights I woke up and ripped the mouth tape off in irritation, other nights I slept all night long with it on my face. Some nights I had to take it off at 3 in the morning because my toddler was up yet again, so the inconsistency could be me and my own daily routines.
But I also wonder if that's everyone's issue. Did they have an inconsistent bedtime routine, and now adding something that makes them mentally prepared for bedtime is what's changing their life? Perhaps it's not the tape so much as the need for a bedtime routine to tell their body and mind it's time for bed. There's no way to be sure if that's the secret benefit of mouth tape, but it is known that a good bedtime routine to wind down before bed makes for better sleep.
What Else Can You Try?
If you're looking for other solutions to help with nasal breathing, mouth tape isn't the only option. Trenkle recommends a handful of different medical and lifestyle changes. “Saline rinses, nasal steroid sprays, and allergy management can dramatically improve nasal function,” he says. "Tools like nasal dilators or strips can also help keep the nose open during sleep. For patients with sleep apnea or structural airway issues, we offer targeted therapies—from oral appliances to surgical solutions—depending on the diagnosis.”
It doesn’t matter who makes the tech—when you call a robocar, Uber’s mission now is to make sure you use its app.
Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
At a 2015 event, then-Uber CEO Travis Kalanick pondered aloud the future of his ride-hail company in a world of self-driving cars. There were still a ways off, he acknowledged—five or 10 or 15 years. But to him, Uber’s role was clear. "Are we going to be part of the future?" he said. "Or are we going to resist the future, like that taxi industry before us? For us, we're a tech company, so we've said, let's be part of that.”
Kalanick isn’t at the head of Uber anymore, but the specter of disruption remains. Ten years later, self-driving vehicle companies that mostly didn’t exist in 2015 are readying robotaxis for passenger rides. Moreover, nearly every player in the currently hot robot car space has something in common: They’ve signed a deal with Uber.
It’s the classic “throwing spaghetti on the self-driving cars to see what sticks” strategy. Uber’s interest in self-driving makes a ton of sense. The business estimates it spends $2 per mile to have a pesky human behind the wheel, and Dara Khosrowshahi, Kalanick’s replacement, said in a recent interview that Uber pays drivers a global average of 80 percent of riders’ fares. (Manydriversbelieve Uber takes much more.)
How much more money could Uber made if robots did the driving? “We think it’s an enormous, enormous long-term opportunity,” Khosrowshahi said.
This year alone, Uber has announced tie-ups with China’s Baidu, Pony.ai, and Momenta; Volkswagen; the Michigan-based developer May Mobility; and this month, the Bay Area self-driving vehicle company Nuro and Arizona EV manufacturer Lucid, who together say they’ll launch 20,000 robotaxis over the next six years, starting in a US city next year.
As the world, and the taxi business, hints at big changes on the roads, Uber seems poised to maintain its status as the Kleenex of ride-hail, a name brand synonymous with an entire category. It's inconsequential who builds the tech—when you call a robocar, Uber wants you to use its app.
“To them, it doesn’t really matter who ultimately succeeds,” says Sam Abuelsamid, who writes about the self-driving-vehicle industry and is the vice president of marketing at Telemetry, a Michigan research firm. “If you’ve got a car that works and can drive safely, you’re welcome to come onto Uber and provide rides.”
Still, it’s too early to say whether the Kleenex gambit will work.
Plenty has changed since 2015. Kalanick is no longer at Uber, deposed by a hostile board in 2017. The company marked a grim milestone in 2018 when one of its own testing self-driving vehicles struck and killed a woman. The incident, for which federal investigators later found the ride-hail giant partially responsible, led to a suspension and then reorganization of Uber’s self-driving development effort.
In 2020, Uber sold off its autonomous vehicle unit to a competitor. In some ways, though, this asset-light existence—where Uber serves as the middleman for drivers and riders, without owning its own (robo)car—seems to have worked for the company. Under the guidance of CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, the company finally recorded its first profit last year.
One potential issue for Uber is that its particular role in the autonomous vehicle industry won’t be super useful for a while. Uber is powerful because it’s already on the phones of some 160 million active monthly users all over the world. The company is good at matching people driving cars with those millions of people who want rides. But there likely won’t be millions of robotaxis for a while.
Waymo, the US leader in robotaxis, has about 1,500 vehicles operating in five cities. Baidu says its next city, Dubai, will have 100 robotaxis by the end of this year. “This is a marketplace that for quite some time will be supply constrained, not demand constrained,” says Len Sherman, a professor at Columbia Business School who has written about Uber. Self-driving car developers want access to Uber’s network—but because there simply aren’t that many self-driving cars, the company is less useful in the near-term.
This leads to another potential issue: Uber may have less power to get a big chunk of each fare in the robotaxi world. The company has spent billions figuring just how much they need to pay individual drivers to take on fares. Robotaxi tech developers who have spent their own billions building self-diving software will likely look to take a bigger portion of each fare. After all, companies including Tesla and Waymo run their own ride-hail apps. Do they really need Uber? “I guarantee they’ll drive a harder bargain,” says Sherman. (A spokesperson for Uber didn’t provide financial details of its existing partnerships.)
Chinese Uber competitor Didi—which acquired Uber’s China business in 2016—seems to be following the old Uber self-driving playbook. It has its own autonomous vehicle technology subsidiary, which is building autonomous vehicle software. It said last year that it would work with EV firm GAC Aion to mass produce robotaxis starting this year.
It may be that Uber hasn’t totally closed the door on owning some of its own robotaxi tech. Earlier this summer, the New York Times reported that Kalanick was back, and in talks to acquire the US arm of the Chinese AV company Pony.ai—with a financial assist from Uber. A spokesperson for Pony.ai declined to comment on the report. Uber told the Times that it plans to work with many AV players globally. The Kleenex strategy, in other words.
One company is conspicuously missing from the tall stack of Uber’s autonomy partnership press releases, of course. In a February interview, Uber CEO Khosrowshahi seemed to indicate that’s not for lack of trying. Tesla appears to want to own its whole self-driving car operation: the technology, the cars, the maintenance, and the app that powers it—but Uber could still be a great robotaxi partner, Khosrowshahi said. “Ultimately, we’re hoping that my charm and the economic argument gets Tesla to work with us as well,” he said.
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